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A DIGEST 

OF 

TROPICAL MEXICO 




OR. J. H. REIDER 



A DIGEST 

OF 

TROPICAL MEXICO 



This Volume will be a 
helpful guide to all who 
seek a better knowledge 
of our little sister 
Republic, Mexico 



BY 

Dr. J. H. REIDER 
Los Angeles, Cal. 



AH Rights Reserved 



LOS ANGELES, U. S. A. 

GRAFTON PUBLISHING CORPORATION 

1913 






COPYRIGHT, 1913 

By the 

GRAFTON PUBLISHING CORPORATION 

LOS ANGELES. CAL. 






^^JSSHr-aS£2£;SgS* 




4> 



Published November, i9i3 



^ 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

Page 

Preface II- 

Early History of Mexico from 648 to 1 861 17 

President Porfirio Diaz 51 

The Constitution of Mexico 63 

Mexico of Today 68 

Facts Concerning Mexico 73 

Rights of Foreigners in Mexico 80 

Citizenship 84 

Farm Products and Prices 90 

Miner's Handy Table of Measurements 91 

Rainfall of Mexico 92 

States and Territories of Mexico. 95 

Aguascalientes ' 95 

Territory of Lower California 98 

Campeche 101 

Chiapas 1 04 

Chihuahua ] 06 

Coahuila | 09 

Colima 112 

Federal District 115 

Durango 119 



Guanajuato I 22 

Guerrero . . . .- 125 

Hidalgo 129 

Jalisco 132 

Mexico 137 

Michoacan 140 

Morelos 143 

Nueva Leon 146 

Oaxaca 149 

Puebla 155 

Queretaro 158 

Quintana Roo Territory 164 

San Luis Potosi 161 

Sinaloa 166 

Sonora 171 

Tabasco 175 

Tamaulipas 1 78 

Tepic Territory 181 

Tlaxcala 184 

Vera Cruz 187 

Yucatan 190 

Zacatecas 195 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Page 

Dr. J. H. Reider Frontispiece 

Cathedral, Mexico City . . . . . 17 

Ex-President Porfirio Diaz 51 

Rubber Trees 101 

Tehuantepec Senoritas 104 

Cocoanut Trees 112 

Fording the River 119 

Loading Sugar Cane 122 

Borda Gardens, Cuernavaca . . . . 137 

Mitla Ruins 151 

Big Tree near Oaxaca 154 

Unloading Bananas 166 

Melon Tree or Papaya 181 

Coffee Tree 187 



PREFACE 

In this electrical age the great majority 
do not have the time to investigate at length, 
and if they have the time, they do not always 
have at hand the means to enable them to 
make a careful study or investigation of the 
country and places where their business in- 
terests call them. 

Traveling has become today a college in 
which the finishing touches are given, not 
only to the young and aspiring, but is also 
recognized as being the most successful 
agency known, for the development of those 
powers of discernment so very essential in 
the commercial activities of life. 

The busy progressive man, who is con- 
stantly watching for, opportunities, does not 
always have the time to go out on the hunt, 
and is obliged to depend, to a measure, upon 
others who have made it their business to 
investigate, and look into details. 

Having spent sixteen years in travel and 
investigation in Mexico, we have gathered 
a fund of knowledge concerning the coun- 
try and its people, that is so important that 
our friends have urged us many times to 
prepare a "Digest," that it may be a prac- 

XI 



tical guide, or help to the many who are 
deeply interested in this old, but new coun- 
try of wonderful possibilities. 

Our methods of treatment are different 
from those pursued by others, who have 
written Guides, that the reader will readily 
recognize the fact, and we now offer the 
"Digest" to the reading public, as being just 
what the term "Digest" implies, a distribu- 
tion of facts, methodically presented, and 
classified for use, or ready application. 

It has not been our purpose to enter largely 
into the history of Mexico, but to simply 
present a "Digest" of the more important 
events in the history of this interesting 
country, bringing them down to the close of 
the administration of ex-President General 
Porfirio Diaz. 

We have not deemed it wise to enter upon 
a discussion of the present political condi- 
tions of the country, knowing that the settle- 
ment of all their troubles are in their own 
hands, and belong to them alone to dis- 
pose of. 

Some of the statements found in this 
little volume may be regarded, by some, as 
being somewhat overdrawn (and possibly 
they may be), but from our viewpoint we 
believe that we have not overstated facts. 
Our purpose has been to furnish informa- 
tion that will prove to be helpful to the 

XII 



reader, in acquainting him with at least 
some of the facts, as they exist, and as oth- 
ers have seen them, for as stated by Mr. 
Wilson in his "Resources of Modern Coun- 
tries," Mexico is, perhaps, the finest coun- 
try in the whole world. Excluding the hot 
lands by the gulf, the climate is generally 
exquisite, the soil surpassingly rich, and the 
mineral resources inexhaustible, and of the 
finest kind. This language seems like exag- 
geration, but it would be hard to exaggerate 
the excellencies of Mexico in these respects. 

In this connection we will also quote from 
an address delivered by Gen. U. S. Grant, 
in which he said : ''Mexico has the elements 
of success; she has the people; she has the 
soil; she has the climate, and she has the 
minerals." 

We will also quote from Prof. J. L. Lawe, 
of Washington, D. C., who for years was 
the statistician of the Department of Agri- 
culture of the United States Government. 
After spending three months in traveling 
all over Mexico, says : "It was a revelation 
to me to find in various parts of this re- 
public the tropical fruits growing lux- 
uriantly in the valleys, and a few miles dis- 
tant in the mountains, to find growing the 
fruits of the North. 

"I saw in the State of Veracruz, on a large 
plantation, growing in abundance corn, cot- 

XIII 



ton, cane, wheat, alfalfa, barley, cocoanuts, 
pineapples, pears, peaches, bananas, grapes, 
and other fruits; and on an adjacent planta- 
tion, I saw many of these same things, be- 
sides rice and coffee, both in quality and 
quantity as good as ever grown in Java or 
Japan. 

"On the top of a nearby mountain, I saw 
thousands of apples trees. On the same 
mountain I went to a mining camp, where 
fortunes were being taken out from the 
ground yearly, and while there I looked 
down into the valley, and saw as fine a stock- 
ranch as ever my eyes beheld. 

"Of course, this will sound like exaggera- 
tion to those in the states, but those familiar 
with conditions here know it to be true. 

"When the great Panama Canal is com- 
pleted I predict the greatest rush of immi- 
gration to the farming lands of Mexico 
ever known to any country in the history 
of the world. The reason of this is that 
no country on earth presents the advantages 
for diversified farming, as does Mexico. Its 
harbors are being opened up, railways are 
netting the whole republic, and every indi- 
cation points to a most brilliant future." 

As elsewhere stated this country with its 
fifteen million inhabitants lying just south 
of us, with a territorial expansion equaling 
one-fifth that of the United States, larger 

XIV 



than England, Scotland, Ireland and France 
combined, is so little understood, and its 
true character so imperfectly known. 

The advance it has made during the past 
thirty-five years is almost beyond compre- 
hension, and can only be accounted for 
when we understand the richness of the soil, 
the incomparable fertile plains, its great ma- 
terial resources, its geographical position, its 
topographical conditions, its great water pos- 
sibilities, and all aided by its unsurpassed 
climate. 

The writer wishes to express his heartiest 
thanks for the assistance obtained from Wil- 
liard J. Doran, of the Southern Pacific, Dr. 
Lobato's articles on Mexico, John T. Cave of 
Los Angeles, who have contributed informa- 
tion in the preparation of this little volume. 

Most Sincerely, 

J. H. Reider. 



XV 



EARLY HISTORY OF MEXICO FROM 
648 TO 1861 

The history of this world is the history of 
redemption. Nowhere in our travels has this 
statement been more fully demonstrated 
than in Mexico. The rise and fall, the turn- 
ing and overturning of this empire, and its 
final uplifting to its present status, demon- 
strates the oft-repeated statement, "Every- 
thing of worth in the world has cost the 
price of precious blood." 

One cannot read the history of this coun- 
try without feeling that perhaps more blood 
has been shed on Mexican soil than on any 
other portion of the earth of like dimensions. 

As we pass back to the year of 648 A. D., 
in which period most historians agree that 
the Toltecs appeared upon the stage of action 
here, and pass on down through the cen- 
turies to within a period of twenty-five years, 
the whole history of the country seems to be 
written in blood. Blood, human blood, in the 
valley, in the mountain, on the seashore — 
everywhere the crimson stream seems to have 
flowed. 

The sacrifice of human life in defense of 
that which seemed to be in harmony with 



18 Guide to Mexico 

right, stares one in the eyes, look where and 
when he may. As we stand in the National 
Museum in the City of Mexico and look upon 
the sculptured work of the hands that once 
toiled for that which they deemed to be right 
and just, we are amazed. When we gaze 
upon the artistic work of those who figured 
upon the stage of action 1353 years since, and 
remember that we are reading the thoughts 
of that early people, having portrayed before 
us their hopes, their ambitions, their ideas 
of the world, God and eternity, we are made 
to ask, "How much have we advanced in our 
ideas of right, of God and of eternity?" 

The history of Mexico is a wonderful his- 
tory» and the writer has become fully con- 
vinced that but little of its true history has 
been presented to the world. 

Religious fanaticism has destroyed much 
that would prove to be deeply interesting. 
Religion, from the Latin Religo, to bind back, 
bind back to God, is the primary idea and has 
of times been misnamed. Much that has been 
denominated religion in this country has 
been devilism in its purity. The regenerated 
heart alone can hold the spirit that will en- 
title it to the name of a truly religious heart, 
out of which will spring a truly religious life. 

Man's sense of justice and right, his intel- 
ligence, will lead him to the recognition of 



Guide to Mexico 19 

the fact that the farther he drifts away from 
the Divine plan of his life, the deeper be- 
comes the mire of unbelief, unsettled convic- 
tions, unrest of life and lack of usefulness 
toward his fellow beings, a lack of con- 
fidence in his surroundings, a lack of trust in 
his associates. 

The fanatical jealous spirit which mani- 
fested itself so strongly in the early history 
of this country, the slaying of multitudes, 
these and many other things do not present 
to the writer one iota of true religion, and 
hence it is that in the presentation of this 
feature of the discussion, we shall always use 
the term "religion" in its primary sense, that 
of binding back to God, for in this sense it 
stands side by side with Christianity. 

We must bear in mind that the too liberal 
world has misapplied the term to the great 
detriment of true religion. That we may 
impress this thought, we shall here give an 
illustration, that will serve to fix the true idea 
in the mind of the reader. 

When we pass back to the days of the 
Toltecs, in the year 648 A. D., we find them 
filled with jealousy because, in the temples 
which they found erected in this country, 
before their coming, by a people concerning 
which they and we know almost nothing, they 
discovered works of art that so far surpassed 



20 Guide to Mexico 

anything they could make that their jealous 
spirits ordered them destroyed, and the 
graven stones and pictured parchments found 
in the places of worship were either burned, 
buried or so defaced that the reader of hiero- 
glyphics today can do little more than look 
with amazement upon the evidences of that 
frenzy called by some religion. They ob- 
literated the history of the races that lived 
generations before them, because they would 
have none greater than they regarded them-, 
selves as being. But thanks to that Provi- 
dence, pro-vi-dence which rules over all, we 
have yet left to us, in the sculptured walls, 
massive monoliths and mosaics the enduring 
monuments of a skill and artistic knowledge 
that causes the blush of shame to fall upon 
some of the latter-day artists. 

Aside from the sculptured walls and 
monoliths, we have but little to guide us in 
our search for knowledge of their arts, and 
only here and there do we find a slender ray 
of light that penetrates the gloom with which 
that primitive civilization has been en- 
shrouded by the bigotry and fanaticism of 
those who, in their efforts for self-aggran- 
dizement, have not only obliterated the past, 
but entombed themselves. In their calendar 
stones we have been able to learn that they 
understood the length of the solar year, the 



Guide to Mexico 21 

motions of the sun, moon and stars, and to 
some extent a knowledge of the tides. 

Their silver filigree work, their polishing 
of stones and crystals, their mixing of tints 
and colors, as well as their delicate weaving, 
indicate a degree of skill scarcely attained 
by our artists of this present day. 

Year by year new discoveries are being 
made, and we are realizing more and more 
that the generations which lie behind us six 
thousand years deep have placed their hands 
upon each succeeding generation, and we of 
the present are keeping up the magnetic 
current of action that will bind the remotest 
past with the most distant future. Standing 
in the National Museum in the City of Mex- 
ico, we are deeply impressed with the kin- 
ship of the human race, as we look upon 
the mummified and skeleton forms gathered 
there. The phrenologist sees in those skulls 
alike development found in this day of 
boasted learning. We turn and look upon 
the handiwork wrought by them, and insti- 
tute a comparison with that seen in the 
workshop of today, and again and again we 
ask ourselves: Where did they obtain their 
knowledge of art, their skill of workmanship, 
their ideas of the Supreme Being who rules 
the destinies of men? Twelve hundred and 
fifty-three years since there came a strange 



22 Guide to Mexico 

people to Anahuac, known as the Toltecs. 
They came to conquer a people of whom we 
have but a faint knowledge, and yet their 
skill in battle, their management of affairs, 
indicate wisdom and shrewdness truly sur- 
prising. A people whom we judge to have 
been pastoral in their habits, and especially 
worshipful in their lives. 

That they were driven from this country 
after a severe struggle, and possibly com- 
pletely destroyed, is evidenced in the chron- 
icles found engraven in stone, as well as by 
the legends handed down. As we know al- 
most nothing concerning them prior to their 
advent into the country, so, too, we have but 
few things to guide us in their departure 
from this ancient land of mysteries. 

In that very excellent book written by 
Ignatius Donnelly, "The History of Atlantis," 
we have a very plausible story set forth of 
their origin and entrance into this country. 
If, indeed, there existed in the Atlantic 
Ocean, opposite the mouth of the Mediter- 
ranean Sea, a large island, which was the 
remnant of an Atlantic Continent, and known 
as Atlantis, and from whence there came 
forth a people, more intelligent, more skilled 
in art and war, from whose overflowings the 
shores of the Gulf of Mexico, the Mississippi 
River, the Amazon, the west coast of Europe 



Guide to Mexico 23 

and Africa, the Baltic, the Black Sea and the 
Caspian were populated, then have we a clue 
to the primal entrance of man upon this part 
of the great American Continent. As to the 
years intervening between the time of the de- 
struction of that great island Atlantis and 
the entrance of the Toltecs in the year 648, 
we have but little to guide us, and that little 
so speculative that we dare scarcely offer an 
opinion. 

Civilization is but a conquest over nature, 
and as Mr. Donnelly has well said, "The in- 
vention of the bow and arrow was, in its 
time, a far greater stride forward for the 
human race than the steam engine or the 
telegraph.'' The gnawing hunger of the wan- 
dering Indian could now be satisfied. The 
wild game that but aggravated the unsatis- 
fied appetite could now be brought within his 
grasp. 

The portion of country inhabited by them 
seems to have been that lying south of the 
Tropic of Cancer, and included the greater 
part of Central America. The capitol seems 
to have been Tenochtitlan, located within the 
confines of what is now known as the Federal 
District of Mexico. 

It required the space of about twenty-one 
years for the Toltecs to conquer their enemy 



24 Guide to Mexico 

and establish themselves in the full su- 
premacy of this country, and for the space 
of five hundred years they seem to have had 
unmolested occupancy of the land, when a 
most bitter and malignant foe appeared in 
the persons of the Chichimecas, in the year 
1170 A. D., and drove them from the home 
of their conquest, leaving, as the Toltecs be- 
fore them, but meager evidences of their ex- 
istence. The Chichimecas seem to have gath- 
ered and lived more particularly in the south- 
ern portion of the country, having their seat 
of government where the great forests of 
Chipas are now found. There the casas de 
piedras (houses of stones) may be seen to- 
day. According to the best information we 
can gather, they seem to have flourished for 
the brief space of eight years, when they 
were driven out, and the Nahuals appeared 
upon the stage of action in the year 1178, 
and in turn they were dispossessed in the 
year 1196 by the Aztecs or Acolhuans. 

We have but very meager data upon which 
to predicate an opinion relative to the strug- 
gles of the inhabitants of this country up 
until the coming of the Aztecs in the year 
1196 A. D., since which time we have much 
more to guide us. And while it is true that 
much has been written by the would-be his- 
torians, it is also true that the imaginations 



Guide to Mexico 25 

of many have been stretched to a point almost 
beyond elastic possibilities. 

We thus learn that 548 years intervened 
between the coming of the Toltecs and 
Aztecs, and that two separate and distinct 
peoples inhabited this country during those 
years. 

They did not seem to have a literature of 
their own, and seemingly no thought of per- 
petuating their memory outside of the graven 
stones and images, a few of which have been 
found and may be seen in the museums of 
this and other countries. 

Enough, however, has been revealed to en- 
able us to know something concerning the 
characters of their rulers, although the very 
names of said rulers are buried with the 
rubbish of the past, save, perhaps, the name 
of Xolotl, one of the Chichimec kings, who 
is represented in sculpture as well as in le- 
gend, as being physically a wonderful man, 
great in prowess in battle and greatly beloved 
by his people, who almost worshiped him. 

A legend tells us that once upon a time, 
when he was seated upon his throne in the 
presence of a great multitude of his people, 
six beautiful white doves came and sat upon 
his head, shoulders and breast. That imme- 
diately after the king had spoken to them, the 
two upon his head flew upward out of sight, 



26 Guide to Mexico 

and their places were immediately taken by 
those on either shoulder, and when he ad- 
dressed them they arose heavenward and dis- 
appeared, when the remaining two perched 
themselves upon his head and sweetly cooed 
the name of the king. Then, plucking a 
feather from the breast of each, they dropped 
them upon the head of the king ; then, rising 
higher, they widened the circle until they 
disappeared from sight. 

The eyes of the king and multitude were 
fixed upon the doves, and the ten circles 
they made represented the ten hours the king 
would live, and at this time the multitude, as 
with one voice, exclaimed : "The doves have 
gone to prepare the way, and our beloved 
king will leave us." And so it was, when the 
ten hours had passed by, and before the 
breaking of the morning light, the doves 
came and sat a while, when, rising in spiral 
form, they passed upward and out of sight, 
and with their passing the spirit of their be- 
loved king kept them company. The beau- 
tiful dove, in its innocency, has not only been 
an object of profound admiration by the cul- 
tured and Christian nations of earth, but the 
wild uncultured savage has beheld in it that 
which to him was the type of the purest and 
the best. Upon their sculptured walls, in 
their weaving of most delicate tissue of silk 



Guide to Mexico 27 

and feathers, they represent the gentle dove. 
When they would depict the region of peace 
over their land, the dove was used as a 
symbol. 

The dove was used by them to indicate 
their peace with their gods; to indicate to 
their tribal enemies they were ready to en- 
ter into peaceful relations with them, as well 
as to set forth their idea of the departure of 
the spirit from the perishing body. Almost 
nothing, as stated before, is known of the 
rulers before the Twelfth Century. The first 
Chichimec king was Xolotl, after which the 
following rulers appear in the order named : 
Nopaltzin, Quinatzin and Tecotla. Netza- 
coyotl is found upon the throne, and he is fol- 
lowed by Nezahualpilli in the year 1470. In 
the year 1516 Cacamatzin was made the ruler 
for a period of four years, when he was dis- 
placed by Cuicuitzcatzin, and then great dis- 
turbances arose, and he was dethroned the 
same year and Coanacotzin was declared the 
ruling king. 

During the years intervening between the 
years 1460 and 1520 there seemed to be 
great disturbances in the land, and many fac- 
tions arose. The nature of the dissatisfac- 
tions is difficult to ascertain. The empire of 
Montezumas was established about the year 
1460, and not until the coming of Cortez in 



28 Guide to Mexico 

the year 1521 did it give way, and Monte- 
zuma II was killed by an arrow thrown from 
a bow in the hands of his nephew, 
Cuautemoc, who succeeded him, and he was 
last in the line of the Aztec rulers, a bold 
warrior, a skilled marksman. 

As A Skilled fighter, Cuautemoc was 
more than a match for Cortez, and could he 
have had weapons of warfare the equal 
of those of Cortez he would have driven him 
from the land, or destroyed him and his men 
ere they could have made much of an ad- 
vance. 

This land has seen few if any braver men, 
men more skilled in the handling of men, and 
more dearly beloved by his people than 
Cuautemoc. That Cortez feared him greatly 
is evidenced not only by what he said con- 
cerning him, but also by the great precau- 
tion he exercised when brought in battle 
array against him. It was he who drove 
Cortez from the city the first time, and had 
not darkness come to the aid of the Spaniards 
they doubtless would not have been spared 
to make a second attempt to capture the city. 

We are not in sympathy with Cortez in 
his motives to capture this then Aztec land, 
any more than we should be in sympathy 
with the United States, our own beloved land, 
should it go with its strongly equipped army 



Guide to Mexico 29 

and drive the present inhabitants from the 
land of their birth and adoption. We are 
made to doubt many times whether his com- 
ing has contributed greatly towards the up- 
lifting of this part of the American Con- 
tinent. 

Would not the civilizing influences that 
have made this people what they are, have 
also lifted the ancient Aztec from his sac- 
rifice of human life and idolatry to a much 
higher plane of living and usefulness? The 
streams of human blood that have flown, the 
sacrifice of human lives that has been made, 
the destruction of property, the miseducation 
of the masses through all these intervening 
years have not demonstrated that "might 
was right," or that "God is always with the 
victorious army." The ruler of the Universe 
sometimes permits wrongs to be perpetrated, 
that ultimately he may make his enemies to 
praise Him. 

Cortez sailed from the little port of San- 
tiago de Cuba, February 18, 1519. His fleet 
consisted of eleven ships, one hundred and 
ten sailors, sixteen cavalry men with their 
horses, five hundred and fifty-three foot 
soldiers, two hundred Cuban Indians, ten 
small cannon, four falconets, and two In- 
dian interpreters. 

With this small army Cortez set sail, de- 



30 Guide to Mexico 

termined to conquer the land of the Aztecs, 
having emblazoned in golden letters, upon a 
black ensign the motto, "Amici, sequam 
crucem et si nos fidem habemus vere in hoc 
signo vincemus" — "Friends, let us follow the 
cross, and if we have faith we will conquer/' 
His first landing was made near Rio 
Tabasco, March 20, 1519, and it was there he 
captured La Marina, a native Indian of 
Jalisco, who proved to be of invaluable serv- 
ice to him in his after work, for she not only 
understood her own language, but also that 
of the Aztecs. She became his mistress and 
bore a child whom they called Martin, who 
developed into a very bright and promising 
youth, but was not permitted to attain his 
majority ere the death angel summoned him. 
In this connection, however, we will say that 
there seems to be a difference of opinion 
among historians in relation to the death of 
this son, but we do well to remember that 
Cortez married Doha Catalina Juarez in 
Cuba, whom he murdered in the garden of 
Coyoacan (which garden is yet preserved) , 
leaving no issue, and La Marina took her 
place, and by whom Martin was born, then 
after the conquest he married Dona Juana de 
Zuniga, and to them was born another son 
whom they called Martin, and he had a son 
by Antonio Hermosillo, whom some his- 



Guide to Mexico 31 

torians have also named Martin, but whose 
real name was Don Luis, and who entered 
into a conspiracy to secure the rulership of 
the province of Martin, son of La Marina, 
and because of this his estate was confiscated, 
but was afterwards restored to him, and 
finally passed into the hands of the Neapoli- 
tan Dukes of Monteleone, which family yet 
control the large estates. 

After having partially conquered the na- 
tives adjacent to the river Grijalva he again 
set sail, and landed much against the wishes 
of the majority of this crew April 21, 1519, 
near Vera Cruz, but discontent and dissatis- 
faction had taken a firm hold of his men, and 
that coupled with the stubborness of the 
natives led him to resort to severe measures, 
even to the destruction of his ships, and 
when his men saw that return was impossible 
they deemed it best to obey their indomitable 
leader, and prepared to follow even to death 
if necessary. 

August 16th of the same year they started 
upon their march to the capital of the Aztecs. 
It was during this time that he displayed his 
skill as a leader more than ever before, for 
after severe fighting with the Tlaxcalans, and 
the loss of some of his most faithful men he 
not only subdued the enemy, but actually 
gained their friendship and to their faithful- 



32 Guide to Mexico 

ness more than to any other ally is due the 
results of the conquest. Throughout the en- 
tire struggle they stood faithfully by him and 
his men, and as shall appear afterwards the 
second entering into the capital was due 
probably more to them than to any other 
cause. Under the cover of darkness he sur- 
prised the Cholucans, and captured their city, 
from which place he marched onward almost 
uninterrupted until he passed over the cause- 
ways of Tenochtitlan, where he stopped and 
rested for a few days, preparing himself and 
men to appear in the presence of the King 
Montezuma and his royal attendants, who 
had never seen firearms, horses, cannon and 
munitions of war such as Cortez then had. 
They regarded the horse and rider as being 
one being, and thought they were gods. 

Montezuma, the king, came out in all the 
royalty he could summon and met Cortez and 
his men on the spot that is now made sacred 
by the famous Hospital de Jesus, which Cor- 
tez erected, and founded in memory of this 
first meeting. 

This is the first and oldest hospital on the 
American continent. Perhaps no other monu- 
ment so fitting, so expressive of the truth and 
needs of the suffering people could have 
been erected ; for that marked the beginning 
of the infirmities and sufferings of the 



Guide to Mexico 3S 

Aztec people. It soon became apparent that 
the domineering and tyranical spirit of 
Cortez and his men would lead to the destruc- 
tion of the one or the other. On the night 
of July 1, 1520, "the noche triste, or "dismal 
night," the people rose up in their anger and 
drove the intruders out over the Causeway 
known as Tacuba, and in their rapid flight 
they did not stop until they reached Otumba, 
where they were joined by the Tlaxcalans, 
and were saved from destruction. While 
encamped in the city of Tlaxcala they re- 
ceived a fresh supply of troops and arms and 
munitions of war and at once began prepa- 
rations to return and attack the capital. 

His Spanish army consisted at this time 
of forty cavalry, eighty arquebusiers and 
cross bow-men, four hundred and fifty infan- 
try armed with lances and swords, and a 
battery of nine cannon, aided by perhaps 
three thousand Tlaxcalans, with this small 
army he marched forth, determined to con- 
quer, and thoroughly subdued a city forti- 
fied and containing at that time not less than 
one hundred and fifty thousand inhabitants. 

December 31, 1520, he gave the order to 
begin the march, and August the 13th the 
following year he made his second triumphal 
entry into the capital, Tenochtitlan, now the 
present City of Mexico. 



34 Guide to Mexico 

Montezuma, the king of the Aztecs, proved 
to be a coward and wholly unfit to lead a 
people against an enemy, and was killed by 
an arrow from the bow of his nephew, Cuau- 
temoc, who was at the time the idol of the 
people, and who immediately became their 
leader, and could he have been equally armed 
with the men in Cortez' army would have 
undoubtedly driven the intruders unto their 
death in a very short time. His soldiers were 
untried and unskilled, consequently unpre- 
pared to battle with armed men. Cortez 
fully understood this, and it was this knowl- 
edge that stimulated him to that which his- 
torians are pleased to denominate "unexam- 
pled bravery,'' but which we regard as being 
a display of shrewdness and tact, rather than 
bravery. He is not necessarily a brave man 
who undertakes great things for ambition's 
sake. The basest of cowards have been known 
to do as much. True bravery manifests itself 
in noble acts, in deeds of kindness and of 
love. It knows no yielding when the cause 
is just, but knowing the cause to be without 
merit, yields though the yielding may be 
humiliating in itself. 

The acknowledgment of error, today, is 
an evidence of increasing wisdom as the days 
go by. Better confess that you were mis- 



Guide to Mexico 35 

taken yesterday, than to stubbornly hold out 
against known error. 

Cortez, having entered the city, found that 
its riches had all been destroyed or hidden 
away, and in order to get possession of that 
to which he had no legal or moral right most 
cruelly tortured to death Cuautemoc, whom 
he had taken as prisoner, but who was too 
brave to yield, though the most cruel machin- 
ery of the Spanish Inquisition was brought 
to bear upon him, he died a truly brave man 
in defense of the principles and right of him- 
self and people without yielding one word 
as to the whereabouts of the buried treasure. 
So securely were they buried from the sight 
of men, that to this day they remain hidden 
from the knowledge of the world. Many 
have been the traditions handed down con- 
cerning their whereabouts, and multiplied 
thousands of dollars have been expended in 
searching for them, but all to no avail. 

Cortez lived after the conquest for about 
twenty-six years and died at the age of sixty- 
two in the little town of his native country, 
Castelleja de la Questa, Spain. 

From the time of his conquest of this 
country until his death we know but little 
of him, and in fact he was a man of so little 
importance politically that in the manage- 
ment of the political affairs of the country 



36 Guide to Mexico 

he was never consulted. His great work, if 
great it can be called, consisted in subduing 
a people who were unable to combat trained 
and armed men in warfare. In taking by 
force that to which he had no moral or legal 
right, in slaying multiplied thousands who 
bravely contended for their families, homes 
and land. 

We cannot believe that that is an easy 
couch upon which to rest, that has been man- 
ufactured from the heart-strings, groans and 
blood of the suffering innocent. 

May 15, 1520, six months after the Span- 
iards entered Mexico, the true spirit of Cor- 
tez manifested itself and Montezuma was 
made to realize that he had taken into his 
bosom a viper, which would sting him and 
his people to death ; notwithstanding all this 
the great-hearted Emperor concealed his sus- 
picions from his people and bestowed upon 
Cortez and his soldiers every favor within 
his power, furnishing them with food, cloth- 
ing and the necessaries of life up until the 
very day when Cortez seized him as a hostage 
and heaped upon him all the shame and dis- 
grace he could conjure in the base passions 
of his vile nature. 

Within a few days it became apparent that 
his life was in danger, and he fled to the 
Coast, not knowing that Spain had sent 



Guide to Mexico 37 

Panfilo de Narvaez to capture him and take 
him back to the Spanish Court to answer 
for crimes he had committed against the 
government. 

Cortez had not been idle, and the knowl- 
edge he had gained of the country and people, 
coupled with the fact that his life depended 
upon defeating Narvaez, he rallied about 
him the natives and succeeded in defeating 
his enemy, and with his stories of his won- 
derful discoveries in the land of the Aztecs 
he secured the help of the Spanish soldiers 
and their munitions of war, and gathering 
about him many of the natives as allies he 
returned to Tenochtitlan. 

On the evening of his arrival there the 
Aztecs were holding their annual festival in 
honor of their war god and the nobility of 
the city was gathered in the Teocalli, which 
was in proximity to the quarters occupied by 
the Spaniards. Hoping to please Cortez and 
his soldiers they were invited to specially 
prepared seats to witness the ceremonies. 
While their festivities were under way Al- 
varado and his soldiers were instructed to 
assault them, and the butchery commenced, 
and when completed not one of the six hun- 
dred nobility was left, and there and then 
vengeance cried out, and the spirit of retri- 
bution was implanted in the heart of the 



38 Guide to Mexico 

Aztec, which time will never efface, so that 
even today the Mexican looks with disfavor 
upon Spaniards on the Mexican holiday. 

Happy, indeed, for all, if we could blot 
out from the pages of history the bloody in- 
human deeds of the Spanish Inquisition. 

We cannot here look into the sad events 
following this butchery between that time 
until July 1, 1520, when Cortez and his fol- 
lowers, in the silence of the night marched 
out of the city in order to escape the violence 
of the gathering storm. Worn out with 
hunger and fatigue, as well as lack of sleep 
the Aztecs knew not of the departure of their 
enemy, but as Cortez and his troops were 
about to pass over the bridge on the Cause- 
way the Indians stationed there as sentinels, 
gave the alarm by beating their drums and 
sounding their shells, and before the Span- 
iards could pass through the narrow defiles 
countless hoards rushed with the fury of a 
tempest upon them, and almost overwhelmed 
them, and the historian tells us that so many 
were slain, that they were piled upon one 
another, and formed a solid bridge over 
which the munition wagons and troops 
passed. 

We are told that the Spaniards lost twelve 
hundred, and the Aztecs more than eight 
thousand, making a sum total of nine 



Guide to Mexico 39 

thousand two hundred souls that were sac- 
rificed on that dismal night to appease the 
vain ambitions of a man without conscience 
and without heart. 

We have frequently sat beneath the lone 
tree, now partly standing, and fenced by the 
city government from the curious public, 
kown as "Arbol Triste," which marks the 
spot where took place the most terrific 
struggle in the contest of the Aztec country. 

In the month of April, 1521, Cortez once 
more beseiged the city, and cut off all their 
supplies of food and water, and through 
starvation many more fell than by the in- 
struments of warfare. 

The number who perished during this siege 
is variously estimated by different historians 
and range between one hundred thousand 
and two hundred and fifty-seven thousand. 

Time and space forbid our dwelling upon 
the Vice Regal Period covering the years 
from 1521 to 1821, three centuries, a greater 
portion of which was marked by robbery, in- 
quisition, and shameless abuse of the people, 
which gradually led up to the war for Inde- 
pendence, and August 3, 1821, marked the 
beginning of the struggle for liberty. 

The rise and fall of the kingdoms and em- 
pires of earth fully demonstrate the fact that 
a long suffering people will endure only to a 



40 Guide to Mexico 

certain point, and then will turn and rend. 

Thus it was with the Mexicans, three cen- 
turies of slavery was all they could endure. 
History also reveals another fact, that there 
is always a man for the occasion, a genius 
for the hour, a leader for the cause of right. 
The Washington of Mexico arose, in the per- 
son of an humble priest of Dolores Guana- 
juato, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, who could 
not longer endure the slavery and robbery 
of his people and on the morning of Septem- 
ber 16 he rang the liberty bell and sounded 
forth the "Grito de Dolores" and it was 
taken up throughout all the land and an army 
of Independence was organized numbering 
almost twenty thousand souls. This body of 
men set forth with determined hearts, 
though poorly clad, with but few instruments 
of warfare to sever the bonds which had 
bound them in slavery for so many years. 
Under the guidance of their brave and pa- 
triotic leader, Cura Hidalgo, they attacked 
their enemy in the city of Guanajuato, having 
a population of eighty thousand, and cap- 
tured it, securing about five million pesos, 
which enabled them to secure in a meager 
way clothing, food and instruments of war. 
On October 10th, he left Guanajuato and 
marched to the city of Morelia, then known 
as Valladolid, where he found but little resis- 



Guide to Mexico 41 

tance, and in which place his army was soon 
increased to eighty thousand undisciplined 
and we may say poverty-stricken willing 
soldiers, ready to lay down their lives for 
liberty. 

In a very few days he began his march to 
Mexico City, but he met at Monte de las 
Cruces (the mountain of crosses) the Span- 
ish General Truxillo, and defeated him, and 
greatly demoralized the Spanish army, and 
had he followed up his victory he would have 
marched into the City of Mexico, but instead 
he delayed and gave the vice regal troops 
time to rally, and shortly after he encoun- 
tered ten thousand well equipped troops un- 
der General Felix Maria Calleja del Rey, and 
was compelled to retreat with his army to 
the north, and did not stop until he rested at 
Guadalajara, the beautiful capital of the 
state of Jalisco, and there organized a gov- 
ernment and published his decrees, among 
which were the abolishment of slavery and 
the stamp duties. On January 16, 1811, a 
strong army of the regal soldiers was sent 
against him and his army of independence 
was dispersed, and Hidalgo with his brave 
generals were captured and beheaded, and 
their heads were placed upon pikes at the 
four corners of the square in Guanajuato, 
where they remained as warnings to all who 



42 Guide to Mexico 

dared to rebel against the Spanish govern- 
ment, but this defeat did not discourage the 
brave patriots, for they soon found in the 
person of Jose Maria Morelos, another priest, 
and a pupil of Hidalgo, who seemed to be 
raised up in that hour of their great need to 
lead them forth, and secure for them that for 
which their brave leader Hidalgo gave up his 
life. Their new leader was so successful that 
he is known in history as the "Hero of a 
Hundred Battles." 

These brave leaders were struggling 
against great difficulties, for their efforts 
for liberty were misconstrued by the Catholic 
clergy, and they were ex-communicated, and 
their way strewn with hardships in order to 
aid the vice regal army. Morelos was after 
many hard-fought battles betrayed and cap- 
tured, and degraded by the priesthood, and 
finally shot at San Cristobal Ecatepec, De- 
cember 16, 1815. 

After the death of Morelos the struggle 
for liberty apparently was at an end, and the 
Spaniards were rejoicing in what seemed 
to them a com.plete annihilation of the foes, 
but the fires kindled by the brave heroes 
were burning, and in the year 1823, April 14, 
they threw to the breezes a flag known as 
"The Mexican flag," having three colors — 
white (religious purity) , red (union of Mex- 



Guide to Mexico 43 

icans and Spaniards) , green (independence) . 
This flag is kown in history as the ''Tres 
Guarantias," — and it was under this flag that 
the revolutionists rallied and Mexico once 
more commenced a struggle for liberty, and 
in 1820 a congress was called and a constitu- 
tion was adopted which had been formulated 
by the great Hidalgo, which dissolved the 
convents, abolished the inquisition, gave free- 
dom to the press, set at liberty the slaves, 
and broke the shackles of the Spanish rule, 
and a Constitutional representative mon- 
archy was established. 

September 27, 1821, Iturbide was chosen 
to be their leader and under great display, 
and almost royal triumph entered Mexico 
City, and ended Spanish rule. But there 
flowed in the veins of their leader the royal 
blood which could not be satisfied without 
the establishment of nobility. This haughty 
spirit led him gradually into difficulties, and 
he soon proclaimed himself Emperor of Mex- 
ico, and called himself Augustin I Empera- 
dor. It was this act, largely, that marked the 
beginning of the fall of his empire. A people 
who had been held in slavery so many years 
could not endure the haughty display and he 
was soon banished from the country. 

In 1822 under the leadership of General 
Santa Anna, another revolution was inau- 



44 Guide to Mexico 

gurated, and the old gave way to a new con- 
dition of things, and in 1823 Congress con- 
vened, and adopted a constitution modeled 
very much after our own, which will be given 
in a subsequent chapter. 

October 24, 1825, Felix Fernandez took the 
oath of office, and became the first president 
of the Republic of Mexico, and was recog- 
nized as such by England and the United 
States. 

December, 1823, President Monroe in his 
message placed a quietus upon any attempt, 
by any foreign power, to interfere, or at- 
tempt, to colonize any portion of the Western 
Hemisphere, thus securing the protection so 
much needed for the upbuilding of Mexico, 
as well as the other weak political divisions 
of Latin America, and notwithstanding the 
objections urged against the Monroe Doc- 
trine, it has stood as a mighty wall about 
these countries, and kept them free from the 
greed of the strong and aspiring powers of 
the Eastern world. The centralization of 
power has been, is and will continue to be one 
of the most dangerous elements with which 
we have to contend. 

Under the leadership of President Felix 
Fernandez the country prospered for four 
years, but the priest-craft was restless, and 
the influences they exerted soon made it ap- 



Guide to Mexico 45 

parent that the loss of power they had sus- 
tained of their ecclesiastical government 
would lead them to extreme measures. Dis- 
turbances commenced to arise, and very soon 
heavy clouds were seen upon the horizon 
which plainly denoted that a terrific storm 
was about to break upon them, and the 
struggle for the separation of the church 
and state was on, and would continue in va- 
rious forms until consummated, as it was 
thirty years later by the great Juarez, who 
gave up his life to bestow upon his beloved 
people the inheritance of worship in har- 
mony with the dictates of their own con- 
sciences. 

From 1832 to 1847 Mexico was in a con- 
stant state of turmoil, under the leadership 
of such traitors as Santa Anna who precipi- 
tated the war between the United States and 
Mexico, for had it not been for his treachery 
and vain ambition, there would have been 
no occasion for the unwise steps taken at that 
time, and the blot resting upon our actions 
would not be there, for it cannot be disputed 
that the blush of shame should mantle our 
cheeks when we review history. There were 
those then in power who regarded the acqui- 
sition of territory as being of more import- 
ance than human lives, more to be desired 
than peace and prosperity. 



46 Guide to Mexico 

February, 1836, Santa Anna marchexi 
forth at the head of an army of about eight 
thousand troops into Texas to put down a 
rebellion that had arisen there over the se- 
cession of Texas from Mexico, but he soon 
met his defeat at the hands of General Hous- 
ton, who with seven hundred and eighty- 
three men after a struggle of twenty minutes 
captured the Dictator and his entire army, 
and he was held until he acknowledged the 
independence of Texas, when he was set at 
liberty, and in about one year he returned to 
Mexico City, and influenced President Her- 
rera to wage war against the United States, 
to recover it, claiming that the annexation 
of Texas to the United States (for it had 
become a state of the Union) was a breach 
of international faith, and thus was begun 
the war of 1845 and 1846 and 1847,and end- 
ed in a treaty February 2, 1848, known in 
history as the "Peace Treaty of Guadalupe 
Hidalgo," and gave to the United States 
522,955 square miles of territory, and 
cost in money to the United States 
$166,500,000, and the lives of 25,000 men. 
In the midst of all this struggle. President 
Herrera proved himself to be a wise and 
safe counselor, and could he have been con- 
tinued in power for a few years longer Mex- 
ico would have largely recovered from its 



Guide to Mexico '47 

great loss, but another dictator arose in the 
person of General Mariano Arista who was 
elected in 1850 to the presidency, and in a 
short time another revolution broke out and 
he soon lost his head, and with it went his 
power, and then Santa Anna again appeared 
upon the stage of action to curse the people 
with his despotism, and again Jesuitism was 
re-established by a decree, and Santa Anna, 
at the solicitation of the clergy called him- 
self "Perpetual Dictator," and then it was 
that another reign of terror commenced, and 
when the people could endure it no longer 
such men as General Ignacio Comonfort, 
organized a revolutionist army and over- 
threw the haughty dictator, and he left the 
city August 9, 1855, forever disgraced be- 
fore the eyes of the world, a failure in life, 
and despised in death. About this time that 
great man Benito Juarez, appeared upon the 
stage of action, and threw all his unselfish 
life into the work of uplifting his degraded 
people, and correcting the evils which came 
down from Spanish rule for there had been 
placed into the hands of the clericals about 
one-third of the landed property, and ex- 
empted them and their attendants from the 
enforcement of the laws in the civil courts, 
in other words allowed them to do as they 



48 Guide to Mexico 

pleased, but enforced the laws rigidly upon 
the poorer classes. 

Juarez, was a Zapoteca Indian, but at an 
early age he attracted much attention by his 
attainments in his studies, and especially 
because of his knowledge of higher math- 
ematics, as well as his keen insight into the 
theological questions of the age. At the age 
of thirty he held the office of Civil and Rev- 
enue Judge, and about this time he became 
deeply interested in the youthful Porfirio 
Diaz, and gave to him much of his time and 
attention, and thus placed upon young Diaz, 
the impress of his great mind. It was then 
that Diaz became a pupti of his. 
He prepared the first code of Criminal Laws 
published in Mexico, and drafted the cele- 
brated "Reform Laws" that led to the separa- 
tion of Church and State. Notwithstand- 
ing his humble birth, the great disadvan- 
tages under which he labored in early life, 
he placed his name high upon the escutcheon 
of fame, for he originated some of the great- 
est reform measures the world has ever 
known, and wisely indeed did the Congress 
of his country order that his name should 
be inscribed in letters of gold in the Chamber 
of the National Congress. 

For more than three centuries the Church 
had ruled with an iron hand the helpless 



Guide to Mexico 49 

people, and it was no little task undertaken 
by Juarez when he enunciated the "Leyes de 
Reforma," and thereby declared that the 
priest ridden people must be set free. The 
church had wrung from the people more 
than one hundred million dollars, fully one- 
third of Mexico's v/ealth. Three bishops 
alone possessed four hundred and thirty 
thousand dollars. This war for Independ- 
ence, and separation from the church did 
not end until January 11, 1861, when Juarez 
entered the City of Mexico, and banished the 
bishops, the Papal nuncio and the Spanish 
envoy. 

Santa Anna, the curse of Mexico, had bor- 
rowed of Great Britain the sum of fifty mil- 
lions, and her treasury through a long con- 
tinued revolution was depleted, and financial 
ruin threatened the country, and in the 
month of July, 1861, Juarez, in order to gain 
some headway, asked Congress to suspend 
for two years the payment of foreign debt, 
but this act gave an opportunity to the 
clericals to open up the festering wounds, 
that led to the French intervention. It was 
at this time that the European world was 
watching the progress of our Civil War, and 
the Emperor Napoleon III believed it to be 
an opportune time to establish a government 
in Mexico by the overthrow of Juarez, and 
the establishment of an empire with the 



50 Guide to Mexico 

Austrian Archduke Maximilian at its head. 

They believed that the Southern Confed- 
eracy would be successful in its attempts of 
secession, and would join them in building 
up a great empire, hence they recognized 
their belligerent rights, but avoided the 
recognition of independence only, because 
the other European powers gave them but 
little encouragement. 

It was here that the so-called Monroe 
Doctrine arose before them as a great ob- 
stacle. It became apparent that the North 
would triumph over the South, and that the 
Union would be maintained undivided, but 
most of all that the great disciplined army 
would enforce the observance of the Mon- 
roe Doctrine, for the American Secretary 
of State, Mr. Seward, in firm, but diplomatic 
language, gave the emperor to understand 
that a withdrawal of the troops forever 
from Mexico was necessary. The English 
and Spanish governments now commenced 
to realize that they had been duped by 
France, and they withdrew, but on April 
9th, 1862, the French under General Lor- 
encez, marched with six thousand men to the 
capital, and it is in this connection that we 
have first brought to view the greatest of 
the great men of Mexico, Don Porfirio Diaz, 
whose life we will consider in our next 
chapter. 




EX-PRESIDENT PORFIRIO DIAZ 



PRESIDENT PORFIRIO DIAZ 

In the rise and fall of kingdoms, empires 
and republics, the overruling and guiding 
hand of the Divine One is always made man- 
ifest, but never more so than in the fall and 
rise of this land of the Montezumas. 

Antedating the time of the rule of Porfirio 
Diaz, this country was a great battlefield, as 
we have shown in our former articles, a field 
of human sacrifices and bloodshed, and no- 
where, perhaps, can it be more truly said, 
"The land flowed with rivers of blood." 

September 5, 1830, in the little city of 
Oaxaca, state of Oaxaca, there was born to 
Captain Jose Faustino and Donna Patrino 
Morey Diaz, a child, upon whom the hand of 
Destiny was placed, and whom God raised up 
to deliver this people out of darkness, super- 
stition and human suffering, to become a 
people exalted and admired by the whole 
world. 

Only those who have read with careful 
eyes the history of this ancient land, and 
marked carefully the spirit and ambition of 
those who preceded young Porfirio, can un- 
derstand the great task to which he was 
called, for as the fathers were, so to a large 



52 Guide to Mexico 

measure their children were, for the **iniq- 
uities of the parents had been visited upon 
their children," from generation to genera- 
tion, and out of this fallen condition must 
they be raised, and to this end young Porfirio 
Diaz was born and raised up. 

His father, Captain Jose Faustino Diaz, 
was noted for his indomitable courage and 
patriotism, his integrity of purpose coupled 
with a sweet and gentle spirit was a heritage 
left to his son. Three years after the birth 
of young Porfirio in the year 1833 the father 
fell victim to that dread disease, cholera, 
which at that time proved so fatal to Mexi- 
co, and swept into their graves more than 
one-eighth of its inhabitants. 

Here again have we presented to us a most 
striking illustration of the importance and 
far reaching influence of the "mother life" 
upon the child. It is a fact that the majority 
of the great makers of history have had 
great mothers. 

Donna Patrona Morey, the mother of 
Porfirio Diaz, was of Austrian lineage, as 
her name indicates, her father having mar- 
ried a Mixteca, noted for her beauty and 
dignity of character, and it is this marriage 
which gives rise to the Indian blood which 
courses through the veins of General Porfirio 
Diaz. The blending of the Spanish, Aus- 



Guide to Mexico 53 

trian and Indian blood has imparted to this 
illustrious son those characteristics of alert- 
ness, strength of body, and gentleness of 
character which have so marked his entire 
life. 

After the death of Captain Diaz, the 
mother fully realized that the future of her 
boy depended largely upon her personal ef- 
forts, and the ambition of her life was, that 
he might be trained for the church of which 
she was a most devout member. She also 
bore in mind the expressed wish of the 
father, that the son might be an honor to the 
church and a blessing to the world. 

In consultation with the then Bishop of 
Oaxaca, it was decided to educate him for 
the priesthood, but God's ways and plans do 
not always agree with ours, and so in this 
case it was revealed that out of human plan- 
nings God brought forth honor and glory to 
His name. Like Moses of old, Porfirio must 
be educated, but in a different school from 
that of the priesthood. That education was 
good as far as it served God's plans, and 
their honest efforts were rewarded, but the 
end for which they sought was overruled. 
Experiences were needed which the church 
could not furnish. The law and military 
tactics must be understood by the child of 



54 Guide to Mexico 

Destiny. He will have need of them in his 
great work. 

A schooling much larger than that of the 
church and priesthood must be given. Hard- 
ships must be endured, indomitable courage 
must be implanted, a knowledge of laws gov- 
erning men must be had, the relationship of 
nations must be understood, and the church 
was not fully prepared for this extensive 
knowledge. 

In his early childhood life he exhibited a 
fondness for law, a longing for history, and 
a growing sympathy for the oppressed. At 
the early age of seven while in the primary 
schools of Oaxaca, he was frequently found 
engaged in heated discussions with his play- 
mates over the wrongs his people had, and 
were suffering because of Spanish rule. The 
spirit of the immortal Cura Hidalgo was 
gradually entering into him and shaping his 
character which was to be afterwards re- 
vealed to the world, and to make of him the 
grand character that he now is. 

At the early age of fourteen we find him 
in the Seminario Conciliar in Oaxaca, from 
which in a few years he graduated at the 
head of his class as Bachelor of Arts and 
Sciences, and from which he went forth to 
the study of law; but it was while thus en- 
gaged, and when the fundamental principles 



Guide to Mexico 55 

of law had thoroughly formulated themselves 
in his mind, that the call of his country "to 
arms" became so strong that the soldier 
spirit, that spirit which calls for justice, 
would not allow him to sit quietly at his 
studies while his countrymen were contend- 
ing with a bitter foe. 

Casting aside for a time being his studies 
he heeded the call "to arms" to overthrow 
the would-be dictator, Santa Ana, and went 
forth to do that which his conscience bade 

him do. 

On December 1, 1854, when Santa Anna 
submitted the question to the nations of the 
world, as to whether he should continue in 
power or not, young Diaz boldly stepped for- 
ward and, in the presence of Santa Anna's 
agent and soldiers, signed the negative reg- 
ister, although he knew that by so doing he 
was taking his Hfe into his hands, and that 
before twenty-four hours an order would be 
issued for his arrest and possible execution. 
As contemplated by him, said order was is- 
sued, but again the hand of Providence which 
has so signally led him through life mani- 
fested itself in raising up a friend in the 
person of the jefe politico (justice of the 
peace) , who informed Porfirio of his danger, 
and he was thus enabled to outwit his ene- 
mies and make his escape under the cover 



56 Guide to Mexico 

of night by fleeing through the mountains; 
the daring of that escape reads more like a 
fabled story. After a long and dangerous 
journey he reached Ejutia and offered his 
services to Captain Herrera, who had taken 
up arms against Santa Anna. It was not long 
before his honesty of purpose, coupled with 
his bearing and administrative talents, en- 
deared him to all with whom he had to do, 
and to none more than to the officers over 
him, and he found himself called upon fre- 
quently to counsel with his superior officers. 

It was at the siege of Tenango that he had 
his first experience of genuine warfare, and 
it was in that first battle that he revealed 
himself as possessing the true spirit of a 
master general. 

After the defeat of Santa Anna he was ap- 
pointed jefe politico of Ixtlan, the name of 
which place was changed to that of Villa 
Juarez, in honor of Benito Juarez, it being 
his birthplace. It was while exercising ju- 
dicial power in his honored place that the 
spirit of young Diaz seemed to reach out and 
up,as never before for the salvation of his 
people, he realizing more and more how much 
they were living beneath their privileges, and 
beneath that standard of truth and liberty 
which the immortal Juarez ever held before 
them. 



Guide to Mexico 57 

It was about this time that the organiza- 
tion of the National Guards was perfected 
and Porfirio was elected captain of the 
Fourth Company of the Second Battalion, 
and he immediately resigned his civil posi- 
tion, though at a greatly reduced salary, and 
in August, 1857, he went forth to quell the 
insurrection in Jamiltapec. It was during 
this battle that he made manifest those na- 
tural gifts for leadership that have so dis- 
tinguished him in his life. 

It was while making a charge that he was 
wounded in the breast, the ball passing near 
his heart and lodged in his hip. Notwith- 
standing this wound he charged the enemy 
and drove them from their position and won 
the day, and covered himself with honors. 
His excellent health, temperate habits of life 
and courageous spirit aided him greatly, and 
he soon recovered, and led in the defense of 
his native city, Oaxaca, in the month of 
November, 1857, against the repeated as- 
saults of General Cobos, who when he dis- 
covered that he could not outwit nor out- 
general Porfirio Diaz, retired to Tehuante- 
pec, and then, at the order of General Majia, 
Porfirio followed and defeated him. It was 
for the bravery and wisdom of Porfirio that 
he was made Comandante of Tehuantepec. 
From this time forward his rise was rapid, 



58 Guide to Mexico 

until he reached the highest position his coun- 
try could give him. We have neither time 
nor space to follow him in his brilliant cam- 
paign against the enemies of his country. 
It was while lying upon his sick bed, recover- 
ing from an attack of typhoid fever, that he 
was elected to represent his native state in 
the National Congress. 

Again during his services as Congressman 
he revealed the true spirit of the statesman 
and soldier, for during the session of June 
24, 1861, when Leonardo Marquez attacked 
the national capital, he arose before the As- 
sembly and said, "I am a soldier before 
everything when my country needs me," and 
he immediately left the Assembly and joined 
the forces under General Mejia, and in every 
place assigned him he acquitted himself so 
intelligently and bravely that the eyes of his 
country were turned upon him with admir- 
ation. For two months he followed the 
enemy through the fastnesses of the moun- 
tains until the night of August 13, 1861, in 
the little town of Jalatlaco, in a hand-to- 
hand contest lasting all night long he once 
more defeated Marquez, and next we hear 
of him entering triumphantly into the cap- 
ital city, where he was immediately made a 
brigadier general. 

By this time his people had learned to 



Guide to Mexico 59 

know that Porfirio Diaz is one of the great- 
est commanders of men in the world, and 
his presence as a leader was sought after in 
all parts of this then disturbed land. 

Those were critical days for this country 
for, as the historian will remember that dur- 
ing the year 1861 payment was stopped of 
the interest on certain bonds, which gave an 
opportunity for France, England and Spain 
to enter this country and demand not only 
interest but also the payment immediately 
of the bonds. France disregarded the 
treaty of Soledad, while England and Spain 
respected it, so that in February, 1862, Eng- 
land and Spain withdrew their armies, which , 
left the French army alone upon the field. 
It was just there that the Monroe doctrine 
exerted its influence for the salvation of 
Mexico. 

General Lorencez was in command of the 
French army, and General Zaragoza of the 
Mexican army. They immediately com- 
menced to line up for battle, and while all 
odds seemed in favor of the well-equipped, 
well-disciplined army, under modern meth- 
ods, supported by a rich and powerful coun- 
try, yet the end plainly declared that the 
victory is not always with the powerful, but 
that right makes might. The untrained, 
poorly clad and worse equipped soldiers of 



60 Guide to Mexico 

Mexico had only the inspiration that they 
were fighting for their homes, their country 
and native land, but this was enough to 
move them to noble daring and suffering 
such as the world has seldom seen. The 
proud French soldier, who never knew be- 
fore what it was to retreat from a foe, was 
driven from place to place before the vic- 
torious barefooted soldiers led by the con- 
quering Diaz. 

It will require too much time and space to 
follow him in his marches and victories over 
the enemy, and we shall pass to notice that 
next we find General Diaz surrounding the 
City of Mexico, cutting off every avenue of 
escape, and on June 30th, General Marquez 
surrendered, and General Diaz triumphant- 
ly took up his headquarters in the school of 
mines, where he remained until the return 
of Juarez, to whom he delivered the garri- 
son. 

Loved and honored as a great liberator 
and benefactor of his people, he humbly laid 
down his weapons of warfare and retired to 
private life, but such as he can not live in 
privacy, for there are too few such, and the 
demands of a strong administration soon 
called him to the presidency of his beloved 
country. 

In 1876 he was almost unanimously elected 



Guide to Mexico 61 

to the presidency of Mexico, and at once with 
his usual executive and organizing power 
commenced the regeneration of his country 
by the subsidizing of railroads, steamships, 
building of manufactories, encouraging agri- 
culture and mining, building of schools and 
colleges, and increased the revenues in a 
single year from $16,000,000 to $20,000,000, 
but in nothing did he achieve greater re- 
sults than in the compelling of respect for 
the laws of the country, something so much 
overlooked by his predecessors. 

Implicit obedience to the laws of the land 
has contributed more, perhaps, to the up- 
building of the country than any other fac- 
tor. The evasion of law is that which de- 
stroys the life of any country. The security 
of life and property in the Republic under 
his administration is recognized throughout 
the civilzed world, and hence the vast amount 
of foregn capital invested there. 

The wise administration of law, the en- 
couragement given to all law-abiding per- 
sons, whether native or foreign, attracted 
millions of foreign capital every year. 

In conclusion we wish to add that time nor 
space allotted me will not permit us to say 
much more of this "creator" of order and 
national wealth of Mexico, for he stands to- 
day as one of the greatest statesmen and 



62 Guide to Mexico 

builder of nations the world has ever seen. 
With a record of more than fifty years of 
self-sacrificing labor, and with the wealth 
of almost eighty-two years of national bur- 
dens upon his shoulders, yet he watches with 
unselfish interest over every care and symp- 
toms of his beloved country, and though in 
a foreign land, he patiently and joyfully 
waits the hour when the Master of us all 
shall say, "Well done, thou faithful servant; 
thou hast kept the faith ; henceforth there is 
laid up for thee a crown of righteousness 
which the Lord the righteous Judge shall 
give thee." 

We once heard him say, with upturned 
eyes, "God knows, that I love my children. 
They say that I am a dictator; perhaps I 
am, but God knows that I do not want to 
be such, but I suppose I am. I am obliged 
to be, for many of my children do not know 
where liberty begins, and where it ends, 
and I am obliged to hold them with a firm 
hand, because I love them." 



CONSTITUTION OF MEXICO 

The Constitution of 1857, that great book, 
the Tables of the Law of Mexico, the 
synthesis of its socio-political creed, as it 
sprang from the soul and heart of its people, 
represented by a group of patriots, who, 
after enduring the ordeal of war, answered 
the call of their fellow-citizens to form a 
constitutional congress. 

On February 5th, as they met together, 
the following constitution was unanimously 
adopted. As you will see, the spirit and 
purposes are not unlike our own constitution, 
that insures to all who set foot upon the 
shores of their country, the right of life and 
liberty, the right of property, freedom of 
thought and conscience. 

Article I. The Mexican people recognize 
the rights of man as the basis and the sole 
object of social institutions. 

Art. II. In this Republic all are born free. 
Slaves who set foot upon the national ter- 
ritory recover by that act their liberty and 
have a right to the protection of the laws. 

Art. III. Instruction is free. 

Art. IV. Every man is free to adopt the 
professional, industrial pursuit, or occupa- 



64 Guide to Mexico 

tion which suits him, the same being useful 
and honorable, and to avail himself of its 
products. 

Art. V. No one shall be obliged to render 
personal service without his full consent. 

Art. VI. The expression of ideas is free, 
except in case it attacks morality, the rights 
of a third party, provokes some crime or 
misdemeanor, or disturbs public order. 

Art. VII. The liberty to write and to pub- 
lish writings, on any subject whatsoever is 
inviolable. 

Art. VIII. The right to petition, exercised 
in writing, in a peaceful and respectful man- 
ner is inviolable. 

Art. IX. No one may be deprived of the 
right peacefully to assemble or unite with 
others for any lawful object whatsoever. 

Art. X. Every man has a right to possess, 
and carry arms for his security and legiti- 
mate defense. 

Art. XI. Every man has a right to enter 
and go out of the Republic, to travel through 
its territory, and change his residence with- 
out the necessity of a letter of security, pass- 
port, safe conduct or other similar requisite. 

Art. XII. There are not, nor shall there be 
recognized in the Republic, titles of nobility 
or prerogatives, or hereditary honors. 

Art. XIII. In the Mexican Republic no one 



Guide to Mexico 65 

may be judged by special law, nor by special 
tribunals. 

Art. XIV. No retroactive law shall be en- 
acted. 

Art. XV. Treaties shall never be made for 
the extradition of slaves. 

Art. XVI. No one may be molested in his 
person, family, domicil, papers and posses- 
sions except in virtue of an order written 
by competent authority. 

Art. XVII. No one may be arrested for 
debts of a purely civil character. 

Art. XVIII. Imprisonment shall take place 
only for crimes which deserve corporal pun- 
ishment. 

Art. XIX. No detentions shall exceed the 
term of three days, unless justified by a writ 
showing cause of imprisonment and other 
requisites which the law establishes. 

Art. XX. In every criminal trial the ac- 
cused shall have the following guarantees: 

1. That the grounds of the proceedings, 
and the name of the accuser, if there shall be 
one, shall be made known to him. 

2. That his preparatory declaration shall 
be taken within forty-eight hours, counting 
from the time he may be placed at the dis- 
position of the judge. 

3. That he shall be confronted with the 
witnesses who testify against him. 



66 Guide to Mexico 

4. That he shall be furnished with the 
data which he requires, and which appear 
in the process, in order to prepare for his 
defense. 

5. That he shall be heard in defense by 
himself, or by counsel, or by both, as he may 
desire. In case he could have no one to de- 
fend him a list of official defenders shall be 
presented to him in order that he may choose 
one or more who may suit him. 

Art. XXI. The application of penalties, 
properly so called, belongs exclusively to the 
judicial authority. 

Art. XXII. Punishments by mutilation 
and infamy, by branding, nogging, the bas- 
tinado, torture of whatever kind, excessive 
fines, confiscation of property, or any other 
unusual or extraordinary penalties, shall be 
forever prohibited. 

Art. XXIII. In order to abolish the pen- 
alty of death, the administrative power is 
charged to establish, as soon as possible, a 
penitentiary system. 

Art. XXIV. No criminal proceedings may 
have more than three instances. No one 
shall be tried twice for the same offense, 
whether by the judgement he be absolved or 
condemned. The practice of absolving from 
the instance is abolished. 

Art. XXV. Sealed correspondence which 



Guide to Mexico 67 

circulates by the mails is free from all in- 
quiry. 

Art. XXVI. In time of peace no soldier 
may demand quarters, supplies, or other real 
or personal service without the consent of 
the proprietor. 

Art. XXVII. Private property shall not be 
appropriated without the consent of public 
use, and without previous indemnification. 

Art. XXVIII. There shall be no monopo- 
lies, nor p|laces of any kind for the sale of 
privileged goods, nor prohibitions under 
titles of protection to industry. 

Such is the constitution framed by Con- 
gress, and subscribed to by the Minister of 
War, Ignacio Comonfort, who on December 
12, was elected president, which gave to 
Mexico at that time two presidents, the other 
being Juan Alvarez. 



MEXICO OF TODAY 

In Our former articles we traced the his- 
tory of Mexico down to the entrance of Gen- 
eral Porfirio Diaz to the presidency of his 
country, and in this article we shall only at- 
tempt to speak of some of the more promin- 
ent factors which entered into the upbuild- 
ing of the Republic of Mexico. For thirty 
years under the wise administration of 
President Diaz the entire country enjoyed a 
degree of peace and prosperity unsurpassed 
by any nation in the wide world. He found 
the country bankrupt, without credit or fa- 
vorable influence among the nations of the 
world; he left it elevated to a position in 
the galaxy of nations that called for no con- 
fusion or embarrassment upon the part of 
its intelligent citizens. 

This position was made easily possible by 
the great fertility and productiveness of its 
soil, its delightful climate, its sparkling 
mountain waters, of which the great his- 
torian Humbolt, in his history, says "They 
are the best in the wide world," as well as 
the unsurpassed mineral wealth of its moun- 
tains, for be it known that Mexico has pro- 



Guide to Mexico 69 

duced more than one-half of the silver of 
the entire world. 

Its gold, copper, zinc and many other 
precious metals, its vast beds of coal, its 
great store house of petroleum, now being 
opened up, believed by experts to be the larg- 
est in the world, these and the following 
facts we trust will give to the reader en- 
larged views of the great country lying to 
the south of us. 

Of the present political conditions we have 
nothing at this time to say, except that it 
is a matter of their own, and we believe that 
the solution of the political questions will be 
settled in the near future. Every country 
has had and will continue to have its own 
internal difficulties, as we have had in the 
past. For more than thirty-two years 
Mexico enjoyed a period of peace and pros- 
perity unsurpassed by her neighbors to the 
north or south of her. 

The United States has its multiplied mil- 
lions in bank seeking more profitable invest- 
ment, and as they search they are learning 
to know that this is not only a great mineral- 
ized country, but its great store houses of 
oil, and coal are waiting that development 
and exploitation which capital alone can 
bring about. 

Almost every part of the Republic is feel- 



70 Guide to Mexico 

ing the introduction of new blood and new 
business life. 

The agriculturist is examining with much 
care and the horticulturist is learning to 
know that this semi — as well as tropical 
country, affords opportunities such as can be 
found on no other part of the American con- 
tinent. 

The introduction of modern labor-saving 
machinery is a sure indication of the rapid 
advance along the line of farming and manu- 
facturing interests. 

The commercial life of this country is 
rapidly feeling the uplift of American push 
and energy, and the better classes are readi- 
ly adopting new ways and new methods. 

The large number of young people who are 
being sent to the United States to be edu- 
cated, as well as the establishment of new 
colleges and institutions of higher education 
such as : Academies of Fine Arts, schools of 
Civil Engineering, schools of Medicine, Law 
Schools, Academy of Commerce, Academy 
of Arts and Trades, Conservatories of 
Music, Military Schools, Schools of Mines, 
Normal Schools for teachers, schools for the 
deaf, dumb and blind, all indicate the higher 
plane of advancement into which this people 
have passed. 



Guide to Mexico 71 

This new young life is moulding opinion, 
changing customs, and producing a spirit of 
progress that is destined to make this coun- 
try in time one of the best in the new world. 
It has all the elements of strength, such as 
climate, natural resources, geographical po- 
sition, etc. 

The rapid progress of this country has 
been apparent to every observer, not only in 
the establishment of new industries, but in 
the great amount of interest elicited upon the 
part of capitalists of other countries. 

The advance agents of foreign corpora- 
tions as well as of private capital have been 
and are investigating every part of the Re- 
public, and quietly investing millions of dol- 
lars. 

That this Is a country of vast and varied 
resources is becoming more and more recog- 
nized by capitalists all over the world. 

We do not believe that we are too opti- 
mistic when we say that Mexico is one of 
the most promising fields on the North 
American continent. 

When an individual or a nation has learned 
to respect itself much has been gained to- 
wards the elevation of all brought within 
the radius of its influence. 

In our sixteen years of association with 
this people we have been impressed not only 



72 Guide to Mexico 

with their natural politeness, but also with 
their keen perceptiveness to recognize the 
things that contribute to their social, as well 
as domestic interests. 

They have had many things to overcome, 
habits that have worn themselves into their 
inner life from which it has been difficult to 
extricate themselves, but contact and recogni- 
tion of more advanced living and thinking 
has done much for them, and in the years 
to come they will startle the world with their 
advancement. 

We very much doubt whether there is a 
nation upon the face of the earth that can 
show greater advancement in all things than 
this people during the past twenty-five years. 

We are not unmindful of the recent con- 
duct of the banditti element in driving out 
the Mormons from their peaceful and pros- 
perous homes. For this the government is 
not to blame, but will be made to suffer. 

There is a degree of respect shown to the 
self-respecting American that is not often 
seen among foreigners in foreign lands, but 
alas, we are sorry to say that there are many 
Americans who have come to this country 
in the past, and a few are coming, who have 
no respect for themselves, for their country 
or those about them, and they commence to 
kick and knock against the government, and 



Guide to Mexico 73 

everything connected with it. This people 
have awakened to the fact that many of this 
class are here because they cannot remain 
in their own country, the land of their birth, 
and are a stench in the nostrils of a self-re- 
specting people. 

Human nature is the same the wide world 
over, and the evidences of pure thinking, 
which produces chaste living, are recognized 
readily by the intelligent Mexican as by any 
other class of people upon the face of the 
earth. 

FACTS CONCERNING MEXICO, 

The area of Mexico with its islands is 
about 765,784 square miles. 

It is about one-fifth the size of the United 
States. 

Its greatest width is about 700 miles. 

Its narrowest width is 116 miles. 

The islands are mostly on the west side 
and contain 1421 square miles. 

The coast country has an extension of 
5483 miles. 

The highest mountains are covered per- 
petually with snow. 

The mountain ranges are in height from 
10,528 feet to 18,072 feet. 



74 Guide to Mexico 

The highest plateaus are in the Mesa Cen- 
tral. 

The widest plains are in the north. 

The mesas and plateaus range in altitude 
from 4995 feet, to 8630 feet. 

The longest river or the (Mississippi of 
Mexico) is the Lerma or Santiago, and it is 
about 800 miles from where it takes its rise 
to where it empties into the Pacific Ocean. 

The Rio Grande or Bravo, which forms a 
part of the northern boundary, is 1500 miles 
long. 

There are twelve large rivers in the Re- 
public. 

There are ten large lakes. 

Mexico is noted for its mineral waters, 
which are scattered all over the Republic. 

The Southern half of Mexico lies below 
the Tropic of Cancer, but the great ele- 
vation moderates the power of the tropical 
sun, and gives to us some of the most de- 
lightful climates in the world. 

The hot zone has an average temperature 
of 86° to 88° Fahrenheit. 

The temperate zone has an average of 
73° to 77° Fahrenheit. 

The cold zone has an average of 59° to 62° 
Fahrenheit. 

The east coast has the most violent wind 
storms. 



Guide to Mexico 75 

The perpetual snows are found at a height 
of 12.460 feet. 

From November to April rain seldom falls, 
but from May to October rain often falls, 
and from July to September we have fre- 
quent rains. Cold rains are seldom known. 

The most delightful climates of the world 
are found in Mexico. 

The prevailing language is Spanish. There 
are 80 languages and dialects spoken. 

The prevailing religion is the Roman Cath- 
olic, but all of the principal denominations 
are represented. The church is independent 
of the state. 

In 1857 the division of the country into 
states and territories was commenced. There 
are at this time one Federal District, three 
territories, and twenty-seven states. These 
states and territories are divided with re- 
spect to their geographical position into 
three groups : Legislative, judicial and execu- 
tive. 

The President's salary is 50,000 pesos per 
year. 

The Federal District is modeled much like 
the District of Columbia, and the form of 
government is much the same as that of the 
United States. 

The national railroads of Mexico recently 
merged consist of 7600 miles. 



76 Guide to Mexico 

These lines constitute a net work of com- 
munications completely covering the coun- 
try. 

There are at this time 16,750 miles of rail- 
road in the Republic, and in addition there 
are concessions applied for and granted for 
one hundred and fifteen other branches and 
lines. 

The very liberal policy of the government 
has, and is contributing to the upbuilding of 
the great railroad system of the country. In 
1876, when President Porfirio Diaz came into 
power, there were only 350 miles of railroad 
in the Republic, thus we learn that under his 
wise administration there have been con- 
structed 16,400 miles of railroad. The Mexi- 
can government has during the past few 
years expended more than 150,000,000 pesos 
in the upbuilding of her railroad system. 

In 1861 Mexico had 8,000,000 inhabitants, 
but has at this time about 15,000,000. 

She has expended for improvements apart 
from her civil and military list not less than 
$350,000,000. 

Mexico has a compulsory education law. 

In 1876 there were no public schools, but at 
this time there are 11,000, and more than 
1,000,000 children in attendance. 

One-half of all the silver of the world has 
been taken from the mines of Mexico. 



Guide to Mexico 77 

There are more than 300 species of min- 
erals in Mexico. 

Since 1902 Americans alone have invested 
in mining $131,000,000 in gold. 

The state of Jalisco has the greatest num- 
ber of copper mines, having 302, while 
Sonora next in number, has 234. 

During the years 1821 and 1822 it is esti- 
mated that Spain took out $140,000,000 of 
gold and silver . 

In 1821, when Mexican independence was 
declared, a broad and liberal policy was 
adopted towards foreign countries, and the 
ports of Mexico were thrown open to foreign 
commerce, and that was the beginning of the 
rise of Mexico commercially. 

When her independence was declared the 
bleeding upon the part of the Spaniards was 
stopped. 

In the various agricultural enterprises the 
Americans alone have invested $35,000,000 
gold. 

In railroads, mines, agriculture, etc., the 
Americans have invested in Mexico $856,- 
000,000 gold, while England and France have 
invested about $56,000,000 gold. 

There are more than 1200 American com- 
panies doing business in Mexico. 

About 70% is placed in railroads. 

The future of Mexico as an oil country is 



78 Guide to Mexico 

great, and by experts it is believed that it will 
prove to be one of the greatest oil regions in 
the world. 

The great abundance of silver, copper, 
gold, lead, coal, marble, oil, fine woods, fer- 
tility of her soil, ever-living pastures coupled 
with her unequaled climate will make of 
Mexico one of the most prosperous nations on 
the face of the globe. 

Twelve years ago Mexico had but ten banks 
with a combined capital of $42,000,000, ex- 
isting under the government charter, today 
there are 38, all of which are chartered with 
a combined capital of $176,000,000. 

It is a most singular thing that Mexican 
banks conducted by the Mexican people never 
fail, the failures which are but few, are 
among foreigners. 

Mexican government bonds are quoted at a 
premium in all the money markets of civiliza- 
tion. 

Mexico was placed upon a gold basis a few 
years since. 

As to the stability of the government there 
is no longer a question of doubt upon the part 
of those who are intelligently informed. 

The land taxes are exceedingly low, and the 
assessments are based upon the productions. 

The titles are as good as in any country. 

All titles are so made as to constitute an 



Guide to Mexico 79 

abstract in themselves, and are recorded with 
greater care than in the United States. 

Mexico does not have to contend with labor 
unions, communism, nihilism, and the many- 
other isms which are militating so much 
against the prosperity of many countries. 

In the message delivered by President 
Diaz to Congress on September 16th, 1906, 
he very plainly set forth his attitude upon the 
question of unions and strikes. *The execu- 
tive is willing to recognize the right of the 
working classes to associate themselves, pro- 
vided that they respect all legitimate inter- 
ests, as much, as those of the capitalists as 
those of the workingmen themselves. If the 
right to refuse to work under determined 
conditions is respected, the right of others, 
who may accept the conditions to work under 
them, is no less to be respected. Both are 
the necessary and obligatory accompaniments 
of individual liberty." 

"The executive is resolved to respect all 
rights and to preserve undisturbed, the pub- 
lic order, hopes, from the good sense and 
patriotism of the capitalists and the Mexican 
workingmen, that each may always consider 
the rights of the other, a condition which will 
redound to their own welfare and to that of 
the country at large." 

In our next article we will treat upon the 
rights of "Foreigners in Mexico." 



RIGHTS OF FOREIGNERS IN MEXICO 

In the Republic of Mexico the great ma- 
jority of difficulties experienced by foreign- 
ers is due to nervousness and a lack of knowl- 
edge of the existing laws. The laws by which 
the Mexican people are governed do not differ 
much from our own laws, but one of the car- 
dinal principles of the Mexican officials is 
the enforcement of existing laws. 

When we rightly understand the laws gov- 
erning the country, we will learn that they 
are extremely simple and just, and if any 
favor is shown it is towards the foreigner. 

The Governor of Durango, Hon. Esteban 
Fernandez, states in a letter recently written 
by him in speaking of the attitude of the 
Mexican people towards foreigners: "The 
Government is always disposed to do all that 
it may be able to assist and encourage the 
settlement of honest and industrious foreign- 
ers, affording them aid and protection." Our 
sixteen years of close observation leads us to 
confirm this statement. 

All foreigners have been as safe in Mexico 
as in their own native country until the re- 
cent difficulties, and no discrimination what- 
ever is made against investors, and the 



Guide to Mexico 81 

acquisition of property, except in a limited 
zone along the border, where a difference is 
made as a matter of protection to the coun- 
try, such as is found in all countries. 

The more than one billion dollars of Amer- 
ican gold invested upon the part of those who 
have made a careful study of the country is 
all the argument needed to prove the secu- 
rity, as well as the advantages, in commer- 
cial life. 

The majority of Americans who have gone 
into this country and resisted the many 
temptations, and attended strictly to busi- 
ness, have and are prospering. 

Mining, agriculture and stock raising are 
the principal industries in which Americans 
are engaged, and the laws governing these in- 
dustries are quite like those of the United 
States. 

The mining laws are very liberal and grant 
the same privileges to foreigners as those 
granted to Mexicans. 

Unclaimed mineral bodies may be de- 
nounced, whether on government or private 
lands. A mining claim is one hundred 
meters by one hundred, or ten thousand 
square meters. The possession of a claim 
gives no right to the surface ground within 
the boundaries, so that such parts as are 
occupied have to be settled for separately, but 



82 Guide to Mexico 

there is seldom any difficulty as to this, and 
if there should be any trouble the same law 
prevails there as here, governing such cases. 

A fee of ten dollars Mex. has to be paid on 
taking up each claim, and an annual tax of 
silver has to be paid on taking up each claim, 
and an annual tax is levied forever there- 
after, so that the first year's claim costs 
twenty dollars and thereafter ten dollars per 
annum. You can take up as many claims as 
you are willing to pay for. If the tax is not 
paid the claim is forfeited, and the property 
is open for re-denouncement for other par- 
ties the same as here. The possession of land 
in Mexico is governed by the same laws as 
those operating here. 

The taxes are nominal and vary in the dif- 
ferent states, ranging from three dollars to 
five dollars per year for one thousand acres. 

In Mexico you pay your stamp tax on what 
you sell, and if you have nothing to sell you 
have nothing to pay. 

The revenues are collected at the custom 
houses and by revenue stamps, hence it is 
that land taxes are so very light. 

Taxes are always collected in advance, with 
the privilege to pay six to twelve months in 
advance. 

The laws of different states vary. A fail- 



Guide to Mexico 83 

ure to pay your tax on mining claims will 
incur a penalty. 

Mining men are generally agreed that the 
mining laws of Mexico are better laws, and 
more favorable to mining interests, than 
those of any other country. 

According to the last report the output of 
metal amounted to $192,000,000.00, and the 
amount of capital invested equals $954,209,- 
348.00. There are in all about five hundred 
mining companies registered in the Secre- 
taria de Fomenta. There are upwards of 
twenty-four thousand mining claims regis- 
tered, covering over seven thousand acres of 
mineral land. 

The production of gold and silver between 
the years of 1878 to 1906 was 1,746,561,206 
pesos, and it is estimated that there have been 
taken out of the mines of Mexico more than 
six billion pesos, and yet we believe that the 
mining industry is in its infancy. 

The Batopilas mine in the State of Chihua- 
hua is the largest and richest silver mine the 
world has ever known, and is producing con- 
tinuously two hundred thousand ounces of 
silver per month. 

The Rosario mine, in the same state, is the 
largest gold mine in the world. Its total out- 
put is recorded to be not far from $100,000,- 
000.00 in gold. 



CITIZENSHIP 

A citizen in a republic, or a subject in a 
monarchy, may be defined as an individual 
member of both sexes, and of all ages and 
conditions, whether native born or natural- 
ized, of a body politic, owing its allegiance 
and support, and entitled to its protection, at 
home or abroad, as to his or her personal 
property. 

The rule is that the child follows the citi- 
zenship of the parent, regardless of place or 
birth: if legitimate that of the father, if 
illegitimate that of the mother, the wife that 
of the husband. 

Article XIV of the constitution of the 
United States declares that all persons born 
or naturalized in the United States and sub- 
ject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of 
the United States and of the state wherein 
they reside. 

The Mexican constitution provides that all 
born within or without the territory of the 
Republic of Mexico, of Mexican parents, and 
foreigners naturalized according to the laws 
of the federation are Mexicans. Also for- 
eigners who acquire real estate in the repub- 
lic, or have children born in Mexico, are 



Guide to Mexico 85 

Mexicans, provided they do not declare their 
will to retain their nationality. 

The Mexican law of the 28th of May, 1886, 
declares that foreigners that may have chil- 
dren born in Mexico are Mexican citizens, 
provided they do not prefer to retain their 
character as foreigners. 

There are other classifications of citizens 
under the Mexican laws like the provisions in 
other nations, which time will not permit us 
to consider here. 

In the case of the acquisition of real estate 
by foreigners, he must at the time of the ac- 
quisition state to the notary or proper judge 
whether or not he desires to obtain Mexican 
nationality as granted under paragraph III 
of the XIII Article of the constitution and the 
decision of the foreigner, in this particular, 
shall appear in the deed. If he elects a Mexi- 
can nationality, or omits to make any declara- 
tion on this point, he may within a year apply 
to the Department of Foreign Affairs in 
order to comply with the requirements of 
Article LX, that he may be considered as a 
Mexican. 

If foreigners have children born in Mexico, 
on registering the birth of the child, the 
father shall state before the judge of the 
Civil Register what his intention is as to re- 



86 Guide to Mexico 

taining his citizenship, and the same shall 
be entered in the registration act. 

Said Mexican law of 1886 provides, Article 
V, that the nationality of moral entities, or 
persons, as regulated by laws authorizing 
their being constituted, and consequently all 
those forms according to the law of the re- 
public shall be Mexican, provided that, in 
addition they have in the republic their legal 
domicile. 

This law applies to corporations or compa- 
nies, and means that if a corporation is con- 
stituted according to the laws of Mexico, its 
legal status is Mexican, even though its mem- 
bers are foreigners. 

The Mexican law secures to foreigners all 
the civil rights enjoyed by Mexicans, and all 
the guarantees granted by Sec. I Art. I of the 
constitution. 

An individual after having been natural- 
ized in a country may renounce such citizen- 
ship and renew his native allegiance or may 
become naturalized in any other country. 

A naturalized citizen cannot free himself 
from any legal obligation belonging to his 
former sovereignty at the time he left his 
country, and if he returns to his native land 
he may be compelled to comply with his for- 
mer obligations, and may also be held liable 
to trial for all actions punishable by the laws 



Guide to Mexico 87 

of his native state committed prior to his 
immigration, saving the limitations estab- 
lished by the law of his own country. Should 
he return to his own land and settle there, 
with the intention of remaining, he generally 
loses his new alliance and becomes again a 
citizen of his own original country. In this 
case he is presumed to have renounced his 
acquired citizenship. 

Citizenship may terminate by process of 
law, as by punishment for a criminal offense, 
or sentence of death, or exile, which in most 
nations destroys civil rights. It may be lost 
by leaving a country, or by long continued 
absence. It may be recovered by compli- 
ance with the laws of the native state, and 
by its consent. 

Naturalized citizens while in a foreign 
country are entitled from their governments 
to the same protection of persons and prop- 
erty that is accorded to the native born citi- 
zens under like circumstances. 

The residence or domicile of an individual 
is important, and generally speaking too lit- 
tle attention is paid to this matter. It fixes 
his legal or civil status, and controls the va- 
lidity of his acts which are determined by 
the law of the place where they occurred. 

Hence all countries have classified what 
they denominate "Domiciled Strangers," 



88 Guide to Mexico 

meaning those individuals who have acquired 
a legal domicile within the territorial juris- 
diction of a foreign state by freely selecting 
a place as a permanent residence for the 
transaction of business, with no intention of 
change of citizenship. 

The status of an individual at the bar of 
international law is largely determined by his 
domicil, and in time of war the character of 
the person as an enemy, or neutral, is fixed 
by it. 

Nations hold that they have an inherent 
right to expel foreigners whose presence they 
deem a source of danger to the nation. 

In the United States this right is deemed to 
be an essential attribute of its sovereignty. 
Mexicans claim the same right. 

In the United States there are restrictions 
as to the acquisition of real estate by for- 
eigners. In the United States the ownership 
is controlled by the laws of the different 
states of the Union. Some states allow the 
holding of lands on the same conditions as 
citizens ; others exact residence, and the oath 
of allegiance, in others a declaration of an 
intention to become naturalized. 

In this article we have quoted several times 
from an article written by Judge Sepulveda 
of Mexico City, who is an authority upon this 
subject. 



Guide to Mexico 89 

In Mexico the acquisition of vacant lands 
in a frontier state or territory is absolutely 
prohibited to the natives of the respective 
boundary nations, and to those naturalized 
in them. 

Foreigners also cannot without previous 
permission of the President of the Republic, 
acquire real estate in the frontier state or 
territory, which is not vacant land, within 
twenty leagues, or sixty miles, of the line of 
the frontier. At the time of the enactment 
of the above law there was also a law passed 
which was prohibitive concerning the coast 
country, but according to the best authorities 
said law has become obsolete practically, 
and yet it is better to make the declaration 
before the proper officials if land is desired 
within five leagues of the coast. By so doing 
all doubt can be removed, and difficulties 
avoided. In Mexico, mines are regarded as 
real estate, and are so treated. 



FARM PRODUCTS AND PRICES 

The following tables have been prepared 
with great care and will be found reliable : 

Wheat, per bushel $1.25 

Corn, per bushel .75 

Barley, per bushel 75 

Wheat straw, per ton 12.00 

Baled straw, per ton 12.00 

Barley, straw and grain 25.00 

Alfalfa, baled 25.00 

Butter, per pound .50 

Eggs, per dozen .30 

All kinds of grain and fine fruits command 
higher prices than in the United States. The 
above prices are, generally speaking, about 
the average throughout the republic. In the 
larger centers of population eggs, butter, 
milk, etc., are quoted higher. 



MINER'S HANDY TABLE OF MEASURE- 
MENTS 

1 Vara equals 2.75 feet. 

1 Meter equals 3.281 feet. 

1 Vara equals 0.8388 of a meter. 

I square Vara equals 7.5625 square feet. 

1 square Meter equals 10.7643 square feet. 

1 square Vara equals .7086 square feet. 

1 Acre equals 43.560 square feet or 4840 
square yards. 

1 Acre equals 5892.25 square Varas or 
4046.7 square meters. 

1 Mile equals 1609.26 meters. 

1 Pertenencia equals 100 meters square. 

1 Hectare equals the same as one Pertenen- 
cia. 

1 Hectare equals 2.47 Acres. 

1 Kilometer equals five-eighths of a mile. 

1 Kilo of silver equals $36.50 (subject to 
variation) . 

1 Gram silver equals $3.56 (subject to va- 
riation). 

1 Dollar weighs 27.4 Grams. 

1 thousand dollars weigh 27.40 Kilos. 

1 hundred dollars weigh 2.74 Kilos. 

The metric system has been legally adopted 
by Mexico. 



INCHES OF RAINFALL 



Inches. 
Aguascalientes — . 23 

Colima 40 

Guadalajara 45 

Guanajuato 28 

Jalapa 60 

Patzcuaro 41 

Pachuca 43 

Oaxaca 32 



Inches. 

Puebla 43 

Queretaro 19 

Real del Monte, 

Hgo 35 

Saltillo 26 

San Juan del Rio.. 20 

San Luis Potosi.... 14 

Silao 21 



Monterey 17 Tuxam, Ver 50 

Mexico City 22 Tezuitlan 60 

Matamoros, Veracruz 43 



Tamps 22 

Linares 31 

Leon 26 

Lagos 33 



Zacatecas 35 

Zapotlan 28 

Tampico 45 

Durango 25 



In our former articles we briefly reviewed 
Mexico historically, from the days of the 
Toltecs down to the time when General 
Porfirio Diaz assumed control of the reins of 
government, and this review was followed 
by chapters on "President Porfirio Diaz," 
"Mexico of Today," "Facts Concerning Mex- 
ico," and our last on "The Rights of Foreign- 
ers in Mexico." 

We are endeavoring in these articles to 



Guide to Mexico 93 

make them as brief and practical as pos- 
sible by acquainting our readers with helpful 
information concerning the entire Republic. 
At the time of the outbreak of this present 
revolution the Americans were scattered all 
over the Republic, and in almost every 
municipality the impress of the energetic 
foreigner was seen and felt. We know of no 
country where so many opportunities present 
themselves to the wide-awake American. 

In this day of expansion, as well as unrest 
in social and commercial life, we find that the 
trend of population is to the southv/est. The 
constant search for new and untried fields, 
the hopes of securing fortunes in a day are 
great incentives, and lead, especially the 
American mind, to watch constantly for 
grand opportunities. 

We have reached a period in the history of 
commercial enterprise where we have to take 
into consideration many more things than 
those that were considered to be necessary by 
our forefathers. 

Climatological and sanitary conditions 
have entered so largely into the calculations 
of the intelligent of our day that in the ab- 
sence of favorable conditions but little can 
be done in promoting any enterprise. 

The well proven accounts of the richness 
of the soil, the mild and equable climate, the 



94 Guide to Mexico 

health-giving and inspiring influences, these 
and many other things have turned the eyes 
of the ambitious wealthseeker towards Mex- 
ico. The towns and cities that are springing 
up like magic, the railroads that are span- 
ning and binding this great land with their 
bands of steel, all present to the homeseeker 
unequaled opportuntiies for investments. 
The spirit of developments bring better 
methods, and with better methods spring 
forth better results, and these results implant 
contentment, happiness and prosperity. 

Every department of agricultural enter- 
prise has presented to it in this great south- 
west country unequaled inducements. The 
markets of the world are at our doors, the ex- 
tended sea coast afford facilities for market- 
ing such as are seldom met with. 

Because of these things there are many 
inquiries concerning Mexico, and the writer 
has concluded that he can do no better thing 
than to in this way, place before the readers 
of this publication a brief digest of the differ- 
ent states and territories, all of which he 
has visited (with two exceptions, Yucatan 
and Quintana Roo territory) and made the 
subject of much study. 

We shall consider the states and territories 
as they appear alphabetically. The first of 
which will be Aguascalientes. 



STATES AND TERRITORIES OF 
MEXICO 

AGUASCALIENTES 

This is one of the smaller states, and has 
only 3080 square miles, with a population of 
140,180, or 45.5 inhabitants per square 
mile. 

It is bounded on the north by Zacatecas, on 
the east by Zacatecas and Jalisco, on the 
south by Jalisco and Zacatecas, and on the 
west by Zacatecas. 

Its capital is Aguascaliente, which has a 
population of about 40,000 inhabitants, and 
is noted for its factories and mining works. 
The state lies quite high in the center and 
west. 

Its altitude, the mountains, the prevailing 
winds, the temperature which averages be- 
tween 57 and 62 degrees F. annually, give to 
us a fine climatical condition. 

Its mountains rise up to 1829 meters, 1935, 
2100 and 1924 above the sea level, so that, 
generally speaking, we have a most delightful 
climate. 

The orographic system in the region of 
Ascientos is quite broken, and we find the 
temperature ranging between 32 and 36 de- 
grees F., which gives to us a cold climate. 
This is also true of those ranges which at- 



96 Guide to Mexico 

tain an altitude 2114 meters, as found in the 
north, the Cirro de Altamira. On the table- 
lands between Aguascalientes and Calvillo we 
find many beautiful table lands, where in 
earlier days have been builded up fine ranches 
and cattle farms. 

This state presents many characteristics 
of being very rich in mineral, and, in fact, 
some of the richest mines in the country have 
been found here. Under the old Aztec reign 
vast sums of silver were taken from its 
mines, and later the Spaniards shipped large 
quantities to enrich the Spanish treasury. 

It is generally believed that this is one of 
the richest states in mineral in the Republic. 

The Mexican Central railroad passes from 
north to south through the state. 

There are a number of small towns ranging 
from 1000 to 5000 inhabitants, but the princi- 
pal city is the capital, Aguascalientes, which 
has a population of 45,000, and is at an ele- 
vation of 6181 feet above sea level. It is the 
seat of the mining industries of all that re- 
gion of country, and possesses the largest 
smelting plant in that part of the Republic. 
It also contains the national railway shops, 
where there are several thousand men em- 
ployed. 

The city, Aguascalientes (hot waters) , de- 
rives its name from the hot springs found in 



Guide to Mexico 97 

the suburbs of the place, the waters of which 
are piped into many of the buildings. 

This state, though small in area, is very 
promising, and is destined to rank high in 
commercial interests. 



TERRITORY OF LOWER CALIFORNIA 

The territory is bounded on the north by 
the United States, on the east by Gulf of 
California, and on the west and south by the 
Pacific ocean. 

It is about eight hundred miles long, and 
its greatest width is one hundred and eighty- 
seven miles. It is the longest peninsular 
formation on the American continent. In 
its orographic formation it dips gradually 
towards the Gulf shore. 

The mountain ranges reaching out of the 
United States extend throughout its entire 
length and fall away from the center both 
ways toward the Gulf and Pacific coast. 

This long volcanic range is very broken, 
and in places the mountains rise to the 
heighth of 6179 feet above the level of the 
sea. 

Many of these mountains are filled with 
mineral, but the entire hydrographic system 
is largely void of streams and springs of liv- 
ing water, and unlike the many systems on 
the west coast, there is a marked absence of 
vapors from the sea to supply the much- 
needed water for irrigation and domestic 
purposes. 



Guide to Mexico 99 

This great lack of water, coupled with the 
existing barometrical influences, give a tor- 
rid climate. There are but few winds, and 
those are generally very hot and dry and we 
find the temperature averaging about 76 de- 
grees F. 

The volcanic soil is of such a nature as to 
permit vegetation but little absorbent mate- 
rial, consequently everything tends to a tor- 
rid condition, and the inhabitants find the 
direct rays of the sun excessively hot. 

The broken sinuous condition of the coast 
line gives many little inlets and bays, and 
near these where the climatical conditions 
favor, vegetation is very rank. 

The entire territory has about 60,000 
square miles, with a population of 43,104, or 
one and a third persons per square mile. 

One of the capitals is the beautiful city of 
La Paz, on the Gulf, and has about 17,00 in- 
habitants. 

The other capital is Ensenada, which has 
a population of 3000. 

We find in this territory many most favor- 
able conditions, but the great scarcity of 
water militates against the development of 
the country, and if water can be developed, 
Baja California will become one of the great- 
est cotton fields in all the country. 

We have three distinct climates. In the 



100 Guide to Mexico 

east we have a torrid condition, in the center 
very hot, and in the west and north adjoin- 
ing the United States we have a temperate 
climate. 

The great bodies of mineral of different 
kinds will no doubt in time attract capital, 
and the science of man will overcome the 
now existing barriers. 










aj$i*' 



•<r*.-' 






CAMPECHE 

On account of the orographic condition we 
find a very great change from the eastern 
states, for on account of the absence of north 
winds the climatical conditions present to us 
a very warm climate. 

The entire northern part of this state is 
crossed with a range of hills which greatly 
modify in connection with the barometrical 
conditions the temperature, and give to us 
a very hot climate which ranges from 80 to 
82 degrees Fahr. 

Passing southward we find the low system 
through which passes the Champoton river 
which empties into the Gulf near the town of 
Champoton. 

The fertility of the soil gives to us here 
very rank vegetation and furnishes fine 
ranges for live stock of all kinds. 

Passing still further southward we find a 
great Laguna de Termios, into which empty 
ten rivers, and where is formed a large body 
of marshy land from which there arises a 
paludian condition, which militates against 
the health of the country. 

It is easily understood from the extent of 



102 Guide to Mexico 

this basin that the sources of the rivers and 
their tributaries are low. 

The temperature in the lowlands is from 
78 to 84 degrees F., while the current of the 
Gulf stream is as high as 86 degrees, conse- 
quently ipiis state must have a very hot 
climate, and the topography of the country 
being very low, a paludian condition must 
necessarily follow. 

The very rich alluvial soil, which is the 
product of the decay of rank vegetation dur- 
ing the ages past, make of this a very fertile 
region of country. 

The population of the state is 88,302, and 
the number of square miles 20,760, or 4.2 
persons per square mile. 

The capitol of the state is Campeche, with 
a population of 16,864. This city is located 
on the Bay of Campeche, and is the leading 
city of the state, and while it is not a place 
of great commercial importance, it promises 
greater things for the future. It is sur- 
rounded by a rich and highly productive 
country. 

When the sanitary conditions of the coun- 
try are bettered by the drainage of the low- 
lands, this state will open up before the agri- 
cultural world a region of country unsur- 
passed for fertility. 

The country is also well timbered with 



Guide to Mexico 103 

native hardwoods, and companies are being 
organized to exploit the same. 

The inhabitants of this state have been 
noted for their loyalty to their country, and 
it is seldom we hear of any trouble among 
its inhabitants. 



STATE OF CHIAPAS 

This state consists of 29,600 square miles, 
and is bounded on the north by Tabasco, 
on the south by the Pacific ocean, on the 
east by the Republic of Guatamala, and on 
the west by Veracruz and Oaxaca, and has 
a population of 319,599. It has 10.6 inhabi- 
tants per square mile. 

The river Grijalva passes through the cen- 
ter of the state. We have here two different 
branches of the Seirra Madre range. The 
one forms the Mesa de Cristobal, at an alti- 
tude of 2240 meters. The other branch is in 
the south where it forms the basin of the 
Grijalva river. This mountain extends out 
into every part of the state. 

The Grijalva basin inclines from southeast 
to northwest. On the south side of the basin 
we find very rough branches of the Sierra 
Madre, which run parallel to the bed of the 
Grijalva. We thus have three depressions 
of the land of this state, one inclining to- 
wards the Pacific, and the other in the north 
forming the hydrographic basin of the Gri- 
jalva, and the slopes of this same mountain 
towards Tabasco form the third. Through 




TEHUAXTEPEC SENORITAS 



Guide to Mexico 105 

the center extends their backbone with its 
many upheavals like so many vertebra. 

Thus we see that the state must have dif- 
ferent climates. Temperate in the regions 
of San Cristobal; hot on the slopes of Ta- 
basco, warm or torrid in the other parts of 
the state. 

In the temperate region we find San Cris- 
tobal, Simojovel, Teopisca, Ococingo, Comi- 
tan and Plateros. In the warm region of the 
Grijalva basin we find San Bartolme, Acola, 
Chipa, Tuxtla. 

Passing westward until we reach Oaxaca 
and Veracruz we have a very hot zone corre- 
sponding to the Pacific plains. South of the 
Grijalva river we have a torrid climate. This 
country is adapted to tropical fruits. 

In the great valleys lying between the 
mountain ranges are found many fine 
haciendas. 



CHIHUAHUA 

This is the largest state in extent of terri- 
tory in the Republic, having 89,200 square 
miles of territory, with a population of 362,- 
711, or four persons per square mile. 

The capitol of the state is Chihuahua, with 
a population of 30,098. It is bounded on the 
north by the United States, and separated 
from the same by the line of the old Mesilla 
and the Grande river; on the south by Du- 
rango, on the east by Coahuila ,on the south- 
west by Sinaloa, and on the west by Sonora. 

The northern portion of the state is the 
lowest, and the rivers flow towards the Rio 
Grande. Great basins are formed by the 
rivers and tributaries which empty their 
waters into large lagunas on the west of El 
Paso del Norte road. 

In this portion we have many fine farms, 
which are given over to stock raising. In 
the eastern part of the state we have the 
desert and arried territory, known as the 
Bolson de Mapimi. The arried condition of 
the soil, coupled with the intense heat, gives 
us a torrid temperature of 81 degrees F., 
and hence we find this portion of the state 
thinly populated, and until water can be 



Guide to Mexico 107 

found this condition must prevail, notwith- 
standing the rich soil found there. 

The small mountains Almagres and las 
Mestaiias on the northv/est of the Bolson de 
Mapimi form a large plain in the center 
through which flows the Parral river, upon 
the banks of which we find many beautiful 
farms. 

North of the city of Chihuahua we have a 
series of mountains which range in height 
1845 and 1726 meters above sea level, and it 
is here that we find a beautiful and elevated 
valley at an altitude of 1650 meters above 
the sea, where we have a most delightful tem- 
perate climate. 

As we pass to the western portion of the 
state we encounter the mountain of Tara- 
humare, which is one of the extensions of 
the Sierra Madre. 

This is a very rough and broken range of 
mountains reaching altitudes of 2511, 2325, 
2125 and 2359 meters above the sea level, and 
as we pass further southward where we find 
the great mineral range of Guadalupe and 
Calvo which rise to 2860 meters above sea 
level. From this general orographic system 
we learn that this is a cold climate. Here we 
find great cattle ranges upon which fortunes 
have been made. 



108 Guide to Mexico 

From our study thus far we have discov- 
ered that this state has a torrid zone in the 
region sloping towards the United States, 
and also over the Bolson de Mapimi and the 
southeast slope towards the state of Du- 
rango. While in the center we find a tem- 
perate zone; and in the mountain regions of 
the Sierra Madre we have a cold zone. 

Until the Mexican Central Railroad passed 
through this great state it was practically 
undeveloped, and now that the Orient road is 
crossing it from east to west, passing through 
the heavily timbered belts and mineral lands 
giving easy transportation the state is des- 
tined to move forward rapidly. The great 
cattle ranges of this state have attracted the 
attention of cattlemen all over the West, and 
the value of its great plains will rapidly in- 
crease. 



COAHUILA 

The state of Coahuila has many things in 
common with Chihuahua, for the large ex- 
tent of desert land is but a continuation of the 
desert Bolson de Mapimi. 

In the study of the topography of the 
southern part of this state we discover the 
northeastern branch of the Sierra Madra 
range which is quite broken and in places 
quite elevated. 

In the center of the state we have many 
small table lands which unite with the Mesa 
Central, where we have a hot zone. 

Traveling up the rivers Sabino and Saldo 
we find the country low, and very fertile, but 
sparsely settled. 

The general inclination of the land is to- 
wards the Rio Grande, into which its small 
streams empty. 

The southern portion of the states divides 
itself naturally into three parts, the south- 
eastern part is mountainous and broken, 
where altitudes of 1676 and 1750 meters 
above the sea level is reached. South of the 
beautiful city of Saltillo we have the Sierra 
del Chiflon out of which rises the river Patos, 



110 Guide to Mexico 

upon the banks of which are nestled many- 
beautiful farms and cattle ranges. 

We here have in the valley known as 
Saltillo Valley the beautiful capitol city Sal- 
tillo, with a population of 59,000 inhabitants, 
with an average temperature of 64 degrees 
F., and an altitude of 1750 meters. 

Just north of this city we have a range of 
mountains out of which flow many small 
streams, and between the ranges of which are 
found many beautiful and rich valleys. Fol- 
lowing these valleys down we find the plains 
of Monclova, which lies upon the border of 
a great desert country. The road passing 
from Santa Rosa to San Fernando traverses 
a desert country, and yet we find here a tem- 
pierate climate, because of its altitude above 
sea level. 

And now passing over to the western re- 
gion we encounter a continuation of the Bol- 
son de Mapimi, which does not change its hot 
condition. 

The state, as a whole, must be classed with 
the hot zones save upon the high peaks where 
we find a cold climate. 

The state is rich in coal and minerals, and 
many seem to think that oil in abundance 
will also be found there. 

It is bounded on the north and northeast 
by the Rio Grande, on the south by the state 



Guide to Mexico 111 

of Zacatecas and San Luis Potosi, on the east 
by Nuevo Leon, and on the west by Durango 
and Chihuahua. 

It has 59,000 square miles of territory, 
with a population of 241,026, or a fraction 
more than four inhabitants per square mile. 

The Mexican International railroad passes 
through the entire length of the state on the 
eastern side. 



COLIMA 

We now pass to the west coast and examine 
one of the smallest of the states of the Re- 
public, it having only 2700 square miles of 
territory with a population of 69,549, or 25.7 
inhabitants per square mile. 

The state is bordered on the north by 
Jalisco, on the east by Michoacan, on the west 
by the Pacific ocean, and on the south by the 
Pacific. 

The beautiful city of Colima is its capitol, 
with a population of 25,000 inhabitants. 

We have in this state the only active vol- 
cano on the American continent. Volcano de 
Colima, and we have here also the mountain 
of Pico, both of which rise in their glory 
above the surrounding mountains, and great- 
ly modify the climatical conditions of the 
country. 

The one is 4378 meters and the other 3658 
meters above the sea level. This is not, 
however, the highest region of the state, for 
the Cerros del Carrillo and del Ternero reach 
higher altitudes, giving a very cold climate. 
As we pass on down through Comala, Almo- 
loya, Colima to 507 meters above sea level 
we here find the temperature to register 



Guide to Mexico 113 

82.5 degrees F., with an annual average of 
68 degrees. The barometrical influences are 
such here as to give to us in the middle of 
the day a hot climate, but in the evenings 
and mornings the condition of the atmos- 
phere is most pleasant. 

In the center of the state we find a water 
system which irrigates a very large body of 
land, and in conjunction with the Ameria 
river provides a system of possible irriga- 
tion that in time will make of this region 
of country a vast garden. The hills found 
here do not reach over 200 meters, and form 
a chain to the Sierra de Santa Rita, where 
we find the city Manzanillo at an altitude of 
two meters, and where is also found a port 
of entry upon which the Mexican govern- 
ment has recently expended more than ten 
millions of dollars. 

The orohydrographic formation is such 
here as to contribute in making this a very 
warm climate, owing to the absence of winds 
from the Pacific, and also to the formation 
of the great Laguna de Cuyutlan, which is 
now being drained by the government. 

The state as a whole is well watered, and 
very productive of all tropical fruits and 
cereals, having three different climates, cold 
in the northeast, on account of the volcanoes 
and high mountains, and warm in a zone 



114 Guide to Mexico 

extending along the Almoloyan and Tepox- 
titlan ranges, and torrid in the east and 
southwest. 

The Mexican Central has extended its line 
from Guadalajara across the state to the 
Pacific Ocean at the port of Manzanillo, thus 
giving an opportunity to exploit the great 
forests of timber, as well as the vast mineral 
productions found in this state. 

When the Panama Canal is completed this 
will doubtless be one of the best states, on 
account of its possibilities, in the Republic. 



FEDERAL DISTRICT 

This District is modeled after the Federal 
District of the United States, as in fact, we 
may say the entire Republic in its general 
form of Government is a duplication of our 
own Government. 

The Constitution adopted in 1857 pro- 
vided for a representative democratic execu- 
tive body with legislative and judicial power. 

In the organization, the Government pro- 
vided for a Federal District, within the con- 
fines of which were to be erected the capital 
with all legislative and congressional build- 
ings necessary to meet the demands of the 
National seat of Government. 

The City of Mexico is the National Capitol, 
and on account of its beauty is called the 
Paris of the American Continent. 

The average annual temperature is 79 
Fahr. 

It has a population of about six hundred 
thousand inhabitants, and is at an altitude 
of 7,349.8 feet above the level of the sea. 

The Federal District contains 463 square 
miles. 

The general climatical conditions of this 



116 Guide to Mexico 

city are quite similar to those of San Fran- 
cisco, California. 

The maximum temperature is 88 degrees, 
while the minimum is 29 degrees Fahr. 

This city lies in the great Anuhac table- 
lands and is surrounded by a great body of 
fine farming land. 

The great mountains lying west and south 
of the city, snowcapped the year round, in 
connections with the barometrical conditions 
give to us a cold climate. The fact that this 
is the center of the active commercial life 
of the entire Republic of Mexico, guarantees 
that prosperity so much desired in city life. 

Mexico City is a great central depot into 
which the nations of the earth are pouring 
their goods and articles of commerce. 

It is a city of great riches, and while its 
magnificence is not seen in tall buildings and 
splendid architecture, the solidity of its build- 
ings commend themselves to the man of large 
commercial ideas. 

The street car system, and cleanliness of 
its streets put the blush of shame upon the 
cheeks of those who pride themselves as be- 
longing to a more advanced civilization. 

The greater part of the Federal District is 
taken up by the city, there is no capitol on 
the Western Continent that can surpass this 
old city, formerly knovm as Tenochititlan. 



Guide to Mexico 117 

Time and space will not permit us to enter 
into the traditions carried down through the 
ages of the founding of this now beautiful 
and interesting city, of this we have treated 
in our "History of Mexico." 

The progress that has been made during 
the past few years is wonderful, and only 
those who have watched its rapid growth 
are prepared to hear the statements of the 
changes which have taken place. 

The American Colony of this city is one of 
the most beautiful and substantial in the 
world, and is the pride of every American 
who visits it. The Museum, Art Gallery, 
Palace, Chapultapec, School of Mines, the 
different Colleges, Catholic and Protestant, 
Cathedral, and many ancient churches, Viga 
Canal, Floating Gardens, National Libraries, 
as well as the many fine Monuments, quaint 
old buildings, and ruins in and near the city 
are a few of the interesting places one may 
see during a visit in this old Aztec but now 
transformed modern city. 

It has been called a "Garden City," the 
name having been suggested by the many 
Plazas and flower gardens scattered all over 
it. 

Baron Von Humboldt, more than a century 
ago, wrote: "Mexico is undoubtedly one of 
the finest cities ever built by Europeans in 



118 Guide to Mexico 

either hemisphere." The city is built upon 
ground which is uniformly level. 

The architecture is generally of a very 
pure style, and the exterior of the houses are 
not burdened with ornaments such as wooden 
balconies and galleries, which so disfigure 
many of the European cities. 

The form of architecture is possibly more 
of the Italian, having instead of roofs, ter- 
races, thus affording that which we in the 
present day, style roof -gardens. 

It is generally acknowledged by travelers 
of large experience that it is the best policed 
city in the world. 

This great tropical capitol city reposes like 
a giant queen among her mountains and 
lakes, the admired of all who have ever been 
permitted to look upon her glory. 



STATE OF DURANGO 

This is one of the large states of the Re- 
public, having 42,300 square miles of terri- 
tory, with a population of 307,283 inhabi- 
tants, or 7.2 inhabitants per square mile. 
The capitol is Durango, with a population 
of 35,463. The state is situated on the Cen- 
tral tableland and is very broken on the 
West, where it is bounded by Sinaloa. We 
find here a system of mountains rich in min- 
erals and timber. 

The San Dimas and Tamasula, at an alti- 
tude of 2725 and 2730 meters, with a temper- 
ature of 40 to 53.6, indicate a cold climate. 

This mountainous region extends from 
Chihuahua in the north to Jalisco in the 
southeast. This is a branch of the Sierra 
Madre range. 

On the east and northeast we find a level 
region which is in contrast with the preced- 
ing one, and it is in this region that Durango, 
the capitol, is located at an altitude of 1925 
meters, and with an annual temperature of 
62.6 to 64.4 Fahr. Just a little north of the 
city is a wonderful mountain of magnetic 
iron, called the Cerro del Mercado, the alti- 
tude of which is 2500 meters. This, per- 



120 Guide to Mexico 

haps, is the greatest body of iron ore in the 
Republic. 

El Mezquital and Nombre Dios are higher 
than the capitol of the state; this region 
slants toward the northwest between the 
Sierra de Oro and Inde, forming the basin of 
the Nazas River. 

The temperate zone extends to the north- 
east of the most northern part, and the land 
is more and more depressed as it enters upon 
the basin of the Nazas, and in this zone we 
have a temperature of 66.2 to 68 degrees, 
and the altitude 980 to 1100 meters above the 
sea. 

The district of Mapimi, though higher than 
Nazas, has a hot climate, and in the northeast 
flow several streams which have their origin 
in that district and form some important 
rivers in the states of Coahuila and Chihua- 
hua. Thus we have here three climatological 
zones in this state. The mountainous zone 
with its cold climate; the zone of the plains 
where we have the mild climate; the small 
zone of the Nazas, which is hot and damp. 

The great variety of climates furnish con- 
ditions well suited to meet a great number 
of persons who are looking for lands for 
colonization purposes. 

Average temperature is 65.3 degrees Fahr. 

The great timber belts found in the Sierras 



Guide to Mexico 121 

are among the best in the Republic of 
Mexico, and when transportation by rail has 
been effected this will be found to be one 
of the best states in the western region of 
the country. 

The western portion of Durango is gener- 
ally mineralized, and some remarkably rich 
mines have been opened up. 

Several lines of railroads are now pro- 
jected which will pass through this state, 
opening up transportation for the great tim- 
ber belts, as well as markets for the live- 
stock and agricultural products of the great 
highlands. 



STATE OF GUANAJUATO. 

This state consists of 12,300 square miles, 
and has a population of 1,062,554, the capi- 
tal being Guanajuato, with a population of 
40,580, or 25.1 persons per square mile. 

This is one of the best states in the Repub- 
lic, and as is readily recognized, one of the 
most thickly settled and prosperous. 

There are two natural divisions in the 
state, the low ridge of mountains separat- 
ing the northern from the southern parts. 
The mountainous part, which is wholly situ- 
ated in the Mesa Central del Anahuac, be- 
gins in the west at Comauja range, which 
is a branch of the Sierra Madre, and extends 
to the east and northeast and includes the 
Cubilete North of Siloa with an altitude of 
2280 meters, the Gigante 2346 meters, the 
Cerro de los Llanitos 2815 meters. La Sierra 
de Santa Rosa 2970 meters. La Luz, at 2970 
meters, and others of which we shall not 
speak. 

We find the towns at considerable altitudes, 
as Guanajuato, 2680 meters; La Luz, at 
2795 meters ; Rincon de Ortega at 2650 
meters; San Felipe at 2525 meters; Dolores 
Hidalgo, at 2330 meters; thus we see 



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Guide to Mexico 123 

that on account of altitude the climate 
is temperate, with an average of 
71.6 degrees as maximum, and 27 to 60.8 
degrees as medium. The rich soil with the 
fine water system, the mild and pure atmos- 
phere accounts very readily for the large 
population of the state. 

It is cold in the mountainous regions, and 
temperate in the regions covering the slopes 
towards the south and east. 

As we follow the slopes of the mountains 
south we find Chamacuero, Apasco, Celaya, 
Salamanca, Irapuato, Silao, Leon and other 
prosperous towns, which form the border of 
the line Bajio, so noted for its fertility. This 
region slopes towards the south, with an 
average altitude of 1810 meters, but varies 
from 1825 to 1798 meters. 

This may be classed a temperate climate. 

As we pass southward we find another 
region lower in its conformation, with a large 
basin formed by the rivers of the states, as 
La Laja coming from Alende, and passing in 
Celaya, the Guana juata River, which flows 
into the preceding rivers. 

The Comanja gives rise to the Turbio, 
which passes near Leonand, flows into the 
Lerma, and down across the Plains of Acam- 
baro, Salvatierra, Salamanca and Santa Ana 
Pascuesco, leaving on the south the valley 



124 Guide to Mexico 

of Santiago. This basin is not entirely level, 
but is crossed by small ranges, which modify 
to a certain degree the country where these 
elevations are found. 

All tropical fruits grow here luxuriantly 
and the chemical elements in the soil are such 
as to produce the finest of sugar cane. 

The temperature of these regions form a 
hot climate, thus we are led to see that the 
state has three climatological zones : Cold in 
the northern regions, temperate from Apasco 
to Leon and from Irapuato to Salamanca; 
warm from the south banks of the river Laja 
in Celaya, and the entire south bank of the 
Lerma, with the region west of Irapuato, 
Cueramaro. 

This is a very rich state in minerals, and 
some of the finest mines in the Republic are 
found here, and we may truly say that the 
state is one of the most promising. 

Its abundant mineral resources are des- 
tined to place it high in the list of great 
wealth producers. 



STATE OF GUERRERO 

This great mountainous state consists of 
22,700 square miles of territory, with a pop- 
ulation of 417,621, or 18.4 persons to the 
square mile. 

It is a region of country consisting of 
mountains, valleys and rivers. The adjoin- 
ing states on the north and east all dip 
towards Guerrero. We find in the southern 
part a depression of the Sierra Madre range 
running from east to west, and extending 
over the southern part of the state. Its 
northern part dips to form the Mescala basin, 
while the Southern Sierras, known for their 
silver ad gold mines, extends to the Pacific 
Coast. It is, perhaps, one of the most broken 
states of the Republic. 

On the north the state is bounded by Mich- 
oacan, Mexico, Morelos and Pueblo, on the 
east by Oaxaca, on the west by Michoacan, 
and on the south by the Pacific Ocean. 

Commencing over the line in the state of 
Mexico, we find numerous branches of the 
Sierras which extend into Guerrero modify- 
ing and changing the climatical conditions. 

This zone is rich in gold and silver mines. 



126 Guide to Mexico 

and we have our doubts as to there being a 
richer state in minerals on the American 
continent. 

The district of Tasco has an average tem- 
perature of 62 degrees to 64 degrees F., and 
on account of its elevation has a delightfully- 
pure atmosphere, a mild and beautiful cli- 
mate, and must be called temperate. 

As we travel southwest, following the road 
to Puente de Ixtla, we find Iguala, a beautiful 
little city at an altitude of 919 meters above 
the sea, and having and annual temperature 
of 80 to 84 degrees Fahr. 

From here we pass to Teololapan and 
Tlachapa, where we find a very broken coun- 
try of about the same temperature and alti- 
tude. 

The topography indicates a decline until 
it reaches the banks of the Mescala, where 
a deep basin is formed, extending from the 
northeast to the southwest. This basin is so 
completely surrounded that the temperature 
is extremely hot, and at times almost un- 
bearable. 

The mountain ranges of this state extend 
southeast and northwest, and run almost par- 
allel with the coast, thus dividing the stale 
into two equal parts, the northern forming 



Guide to Mexico 127 

the basin of the Mescala, and the southern 
the broken coast of the Pacific. 

In this zone, which is composed of plains, 
valleys, canyons and passes, are located Tix- 
tla, Chalapa, Jalpa, Chilpancingo, Ometepec 
and Ayutla, the altitudes of which are 1000, 
890, 840, 725 and 500 meters above sea level, 
and all have about the same average temper- 
ature or 84 degrees, which gives us a torrid 
climate. 

The slopes of the ranges are fringed with 
many permanent streams running from 
north to south, and here we find a warm 
climate, owing to the lack of ventilation. 
In this region are located the towns of Aca- 
pulco, Cayuca, San Marcos, Tucpan, Petat- 
lan, Simmatanejo, Goleta and a number of 
small villages. 

We have here many fine farms and cattle 
ranges, and a most delightful climate. 

We find three different climates: Tem- 
perate in the region of Tasco, hot in the 
basin of Mescala from Iguala to the foot of 
the Sierra Madre del Sur, torrid from the 
southern slope of the Sierra Madre to the 
shore of the Costa Grande. 

Its timber and mineral riches can never be 
successfully exploited until railroad facili- 
ties — and these are now being provided — 



128 Guide to Mexico 

are opened up. Acapulco is one of the best 
ports of entry for large vessels on the Pacific 
Coast, and the city is destined in time to 
be an important place. There are several 
lines of railroads now building, opening up 
new fields. 



HIDALGO. 

The state of Hidalgo has a population of 
507,456, and an extension of 7,600 square 
miles, or 66.7 persons per square mile; thus 
we learn that this is one of the most thickly 
populated states in the Republic. 

The capitol of the state is Pachuca, which 
has a population of 37,487. This state is 
located on the Central Tablelands, and is 
very much broken by spurs of mountains, 
which lift themselves in places over in the 
state of Vera Cruz, and present to us an 
annual temperature of 59 to 60 degrees 
Fahr. 

The state is divided into five districts, 
known as Huichapam, Ixmiquilpan, Actopam, 
Apam and Tulancingo. 

The altitude of the districts vary from 
2486 to 2198, which furnish us with a tem- 
perate zone. 

In the examination of that portion in which 
the capital of the state, Pachuca, is located, 
we find the orographic system extends from 
northeast to southwest, and is very broken, 
and highly mineralized, and is considered 
one of the oldest and best mining districts in 
the Republic. 



130 Guide to Mexico 

This is a cold zone with a very low tem- 
perature, the average of which is from 53 
to 55 degrees Fahr., while the altitude is 
from 2590 meters to 2900 meters above the 
sea level, giving us a climatical condition 
most favorable for mining enterprises. 

Just northeast of Tulancingo we have the 
"Barranca Grande," which is formed by the 
openings of the mountains from Apulco to 
the great Laguna of Mextitlan. Into this 
Laguna the waters of the Grand River empty, 
which inundates the whole region, creating 
paludism and rendering the surrounding 
country unhealthy. 

This Laguna very greatly militates against 
the settlement of this immediate portion of 
the state, but steps are being taken to drain 
off the waters, when that which is now ob- 
jectionable is removed this will become one of 
the richest parts of the state. 

The temperature is that of the torrid lands, 
and the thermometer shows an annual aver- 
age of 78 to 84 degrees Fahr. 

On the eastern side we have a series of 
very high ranges, called the Sierra de Hue- 
huetla. These ranges are very broken, and 
out of them we find many living streams, 
which have their origin in the springs of the 
mountains. Here we have a cold climate, and 
we do not know of a region of country in the 



Guide to Mexico 131 

entire Republic where the thermometrical 
changes are more frequent and pronounced 
than there. 

The closely sheltered towns, such as Huc- 
jutla, have a climatical condition giving us 
an annual temperature of 71 degrees Fahr., 
while the barometrical conditions on the 
nearby mountains produce a cold climate 
upon them. Passing on to that part of the 
state through which flows the Moctezuma and 
Amojo, we find an extremely torrid condi- 
tion, and where we also find the cultivation of 
tropical products carried on extensively and 
great quantities of tropical fruits and plants 
gathered for the markets. 

This is a state of most wonderful resources 
and possibilities, and will doubtless rank 
among the very first in agricultural produc- 
tions, as well as to continue to give to the 
world large returns of minerals. 

The mining industries of this state read 
like fairy tales, and by many well versed in 
its possibilities it is believed that the future 
will be more productive than has been the 
past. 



JALISCO. 

The state of Jalisco, of which Guadalajara 
is the capitol, is bounded on the north by 
Sinaloa and Durango, on the south by 
Michoacan and Colima, on the east by Guana- 
juato and Aguascalientes, and on the north- 
east by Zacatecas. 

The state has an area of 38,400 square 
miles, and a population of 1,274,558, or 34 
inhabitants per square mile. 

It produced last year 18,000,000 bushels of 
corn, 3,000,000 bushels of wheat and 1,000.- 
000 bushels of beans. 

It has 663,727 head of cattle, or more than 
any other state in the Republic ; it has 76,529 
head of hogs, and stands second in point of 
number in the Republic, and has 67,174 head 
of sheep. In all kinds of livestock it leads in 
number and quality. 

No state in the Republic has intro- 
duced more thoroughbred stock to be crossed 
with the native stock than Jalisco, hence the 
class of stock excels in quality. 

The large acreage of fine pasture, green 
the year around, makes it the leading live- 
stock state of the Republic. 

The public lands are scheduled at $3.60 per 



Guide to Mexico 133 

acre, but there are no more public lands to. 
be had, all having been withdrawn from the 
market. 

There is no other state in the Republic so 
rare and variable, owing to its orographic 
and hydrographic formation, which gives 
rise to such different climates as those of 
this state. 

In the center of the state there is a large 
hydrographic valley extending from the 
southeast to northwest. In this valley, com- 
mencing at La Barca in the state Michoacan, 
and crossing the Lake Chapala, runs the Tlo- 
lolan River, which has its rise in the Laguna 
de Lerma in the state of Mexico. This river 
is augmented by different tributaries on its 
way, and crosses the southern part of the 
state of Guanajuato, and separate Michoacan 
and Jalisco, as it moves forward towards the 
above-mentioned valley. 

The descent is so rapid as to cause to be 
cut a deep basin, the sides of which are very 
perpendicular. It is due to the peculiar for- 
mation that we have the mild and even cli- 
mate of this entire region of country. The 
topography of the coast, from the border 
line of Sinaloa to that of Colima is low, and 
continues thus over the south on the last 
range formed by the northern declivity of 
the Nevada and Volcano de Colima, which 



134 Guide to Mexico 

are respectively at 4378 and 3658 meters 
above sea level. 

This range of mountains is mineralized 
throughout its entire extent, and much fine 
timber abounds. 

Passing now to the basin of Tlolotlan, we 
find the tablelands wide and open, and the 
streams cutting deep channels and forming 
a series of barrancas of such depths as to 
fill one with awe as they look upon them. 

When the Southern Pacific Railroad is 
completed it will pass through on its way to 
Guadalajara over one of the most awe inspir- 
ing routes of the world. 

These barrancas are bordered with val- 
leys which produce all the tropical fruits, and 
give to us some of the finest farming land in 
the Republic of Mexico. This entire region 
slopes towards the sea. 

In the northern part we find the Sierras de 
Nayarit, which united to the Sierras of Bo- 
lanos and Huejuquilla, which rise to an alti- 
tude of 1180 and 1299 meters, where we have 
a cold climate. 

In that portion of the state bordering 
Aguascalientes and Guanajuato on the north- 
east we have the mountain Comanja, which 
gives us a cold climate, and the same condi- 
tions exist in the south around the ranges of 
which are the Pico and Volcano de Colima 



Guide to Mexico 135 

mountains, which modify the temperature of 
the tropical valleys lying between them, thus 
giving us one of the most even and delightful 
climates of the world. 

Passing west of Guadalajara, we have the 
orographic systems which cross the center 
of Jalisco, and contribute to modify the cli- 
mate of the Central Valley. 

The hottest climate is found in the south- 
western portion of the state, where, owing 
to the barometrical altitudes of 800 and 900 
meters above sea level, with temperatures of 
from 68 degrees to 69 degrees, we find a hot 
climate. 

Guadalajara is 1566 meters, with an an- 
nual average temperature of 67 degrees, and 
is situated in the pleasant region of temper- 
ate climate, where no sudden changes exist, 
no extremes of heat, no cold, no heavy pro- 
longed storms, with the extreme temperature 
of 59 degrees in January, to 75 degrees in 
June, such having been the record for the 
past fifteen years. 

By the examination of the orographic sys- 
tems and barometrical altitudes, you will 
readily see why it is true that this state pos- 
sesses one of the finest climates in the world, 
and also why it is a paradise for farmers and 
fruit raisers. 

As an orange, lemon and lime country it 



136 Guide to Mexico 

is unsurpassed on the great American conti- 
nent. 

For livestock of all kinds, on account of 
climatical conditions, as well as the fact that 
we have no frosts or disturbing elements 
to destroy vegetation, the pastures remain 
green the year round. 

Guadalajara, with its population of 125,000 
and its near-by outlying towns consisting of 
not less than 35,000 more inhabitatnts, fur- 
nishes a fine market for much of the produce 
raised. Guadalajara is the second city in the 
Republic, and is unsurpassed for beauty of 
situation, churches, cleanliness, schools, so- 
cial advantages, in fact, in all that contribute 
to the welfare and happiness of its inhabi- 
tants. 




BOEDA GARDENS, CDEENAVACA 



STATE OF MEXICO. 

The state of Mexico is bounded on the 
north by Hidalgo, on the east by Tlaxcala 
and Puebla, on the south by Puebla and Guer- 
rero, on the west by Guerrero, Michoacan 
and Queretaro. It has a population of 1,168,- 
670, and has 8080 square miles, or 144.5 
inhabitants per square mile. 

We have in this state a variety of climatical 
conditions, as the result of altitude and oro- 
hydrographic formations. 

In making our examination of the Federal 
District we find the District of Otumba on 
the east to be 2349 above the level of the sea, 
the land being fertile and rolling. This, with 
the district of Texcoco, must include the low, 
mountainous regions of Telapan. The tem- 
perature is mild and climate delightful. Tex- 
coco is 2668 meters above sea level, and tem- 
perature from 60 to 62 degrees Fahr. 

The next division, the district of Tlalman- 
alco, on the spur of the northern mountains 
of Ixtaccitmatl and Popocatepetl, reaches as 
far as the Bajio, and all the smaller ranges 
fan-like spread their branches to the valley 
of Mexico. 

The altitude is between 2280 and 2500 



138 Guide to Mexico 

meters, and the average temperature is be- 
tween 51 degrees and 53 degrees Fahr. 

Now passing to the northern part, includ- 
ing Lake Texcoco, and the lakes Zumpango 
and Huehuetoca, we find this region between 
six and seven meters higher than the city 
of Mexico, having an altitude of 2275 meters 
above sea level. The temperature and the 
climate are excellent, but slightly subject to 
paludism, and as we pass down southeast of 
Zumpango in the region of Chalco, the ten- 
dency towards paludism increases, but the 
near proximity to the volcanoes gives a cold 
climate, thus modifying the paludian condi- 
tions. 

In passing to the valley of Toluca, the capi- 
tol of the state, we find the mountain of the 
same name to be 2625 meters above the sea. 

This is the center of this climatological dis- 
trict, and the high peak ^'Nevada de Toluca," 
just northwest of the city, which is usually 
covered with snow, gives us a cool climate, 
the average being from 50 to 55 degrees. 

This beautiful city, with a population of 
about 55,000, lies at the foot of the extin- 
guished volcano, and on the river Xicual- 
tenco, and is noted for its fine colleges and 
schools, its manufacturing plants, as well as 
its places of historical interest. 

North of this is the district of Xicotepec, 



Guide to Mexico 139 

which has a fine temperature, rich lands, and 
descends with a regular slope to the states of 
Hidalgo, Queretaro and Michoacan, and is 
crossed by the Lerma River. 

As we pass out to the southwest and the 
southeast, we encounter the El Valle, Temax- 
caltepec, Tejupilco, Sultepec and Zacualpan 
region, which contains high mountain sys- 
tems, and the plains and valleys reach out to 
the states of Guerrero and Morelos, and as- 
sume the character of the hot lands. The 
average temperature is 25 degrees. 

Thus we find two different climatological 
regions, one with temperate climate, mild 
and healthful, and the other subject to mala- 
rial influences. 

The state is divided into temperate, hot, 
cold, and perpetual snow regions. The moun- 
tainous regions are generally mineralized, 
and there are a number of very old and rich 
mines located here. 

The farming and grazing lands are unsur- 
passed, with a fine market for all productions 
at home. Some of the finest farms in the 
Republic are located near the capital. 

The lands of this state are high and some- 
what subject to frost, but the general cli- 
matical conditions are very pleasant. 



MICHOACAN. 

This state is bounded on the north by- 
Guanajuato and Jalisco, on the south by the 
Pacific Ocean and Guerrero, and on the east 
by Mexico, and on the west by Jalisco. 

The chain of the Sierra Madre, extending 
out of the state of Mexico divides it into two 
distinct parts. This range of mountains is 
changeable, sometimes verj^ high, sloping 
towards the north, and then again falling 
down to rolling hills and mesas, where the 
beautiful valley of the Lerma commences, 
which is watered by the sparkling streams as 
they rush onward from their mountain 
sources to end in the great waters of the 
Pacific. 

Between the chains of mountains we have 
the beautiful valleys of the Mescalo, which 
takes its name from the river which crosses 
the rugged state of Guerrero, and finally 
empties into the Pacific. 

This fertile valley is dotted over with 
highly improved farms. 

The Michoacan mountains are very much 
broken, and have many special names, the 
altitude corresponding to the orographic sys- 
tem visible all over this region of country. 



Guide to Mexico 141 

They range in height from 2194 meters to 
2986 meters above sea level. On account of 
the variable altitudes the sky-line forms a 
beautiful sight. 

We also find that to this system belongs the 
Sierra de Anganguco, the Ozumatlan, the 
Sierra Arrio, on the east we find the Sierra 
Huacana, and on the west the Sierra Patam- 
ban, and on the southwest that of Coalcoman. 

To the reader it might appear that there 
is but little level farming land, but such is 
not the case, for here are found some of the 
greatest and best haciendas in the Republic. 

The orographic system of Michoacan cre- 
ates a zone from east to west of fertile ranges 
and tablelands, temperate valleys which are 
always green. There are two basins, one 
extending north, and forms tributaries of the 
Tololotlan and the Lerma rivers, and the 
other extends to the tributaries of Las Balsas. 

Morelia, the capitol of the state is beauti- 
fully situated on the southeast of the Pico 
de Quince, at an elevation of 1940 meters, 
and has a temperature of 62 degrees, with a 
m-aximum of 75 degrees. 

The state has the characteristics of the 
warm and hot climates. 

When we consider the topography of the 
state we readily understand that we have 
through the entire center a temperate cli- 



142 Guide to Mexico 

mate, while in the regions which form de- 
cHvities toward the Rio Balsas we have a hot 
climate, and on the sloping regions of the 
Pacific Coast we have a torrid climate. 

This state is one of the richest, and in 
many particulars one of the best, in the Re- 
public. It is well watered, free from mala- 
rial diseases, and in fact, from all paludian 
afflictions. 

As an agricultural and stock raising coun- 
try, as well as fruit culturing, it is one of the 
best. 

It has 23,000 square miles of territory, or 
38.8 persons per mile. 

Morelia, the capitol, has about 40,000 in- 
habitants, and is l)eautif ul for situation. The 
city is noted for its excellent schools of higher 
educations, as well as for its fine churches, 
pleasure resorts, and excellent class of 
citizens. 



MORELOS 

This beautiful state was named after Gen- 
eral Jose Maria Morelos, a faithful and 
patriotic priest, who took up and carried aloft 
liberty's torch, which Hidalgo (the Wash- 
ington of this country) first set ablaze, and 
for the defence of which General Morelos 
gave up his life as a sacrifice in San Cristobal 
Escatepec, December 22, 1814. 

The state is bounded on the north by the 
Federal District and the state of Mexico, on 
the south, southeast and southwest by the 
states of Puebla and Guerrero, and on the 
west by the states of Mexico and Guerrero. 

It has 1850 square miles of territory, with 
a population of 160,355, or 86.1 persons per 
square mile. 

Cuernavaca is the capitol, with a popu- 
lation of ten thousand souls. 

We here find the Adjusco mountains, a 
high and beautiful range, which is over 
13,000 feet high, and forms the backbone of 
the descent into the valley of Cuernevaca. 

Standing upon this great elevation we have 
unfolded to us one of the most inspiring 
views to be found anywhere upon the face of 
the earth. 



144 Guide to Mexico 

Lava mountains, which stand up like petri- 
fied waves, rolling upon a beach, cane fields, 
rolling hills, lakes, villages, cities, great 
fields of Maguey, mingled with the alfalfa, 
studded here and there with the sparkling 
waters of the streams, all blending their col- 
ors with the tropic shades found in this tem- 
perate zone. 

From this point we descend rapidly until 
we reach Santa Maria, which place is at an 
altitude of 1705 meters, and then on down to 
Cuernavaca, which is 1525 meters above sea 
level. 

Here we have a most wonderful climate, a 
historical city deeply interesting, of which 
we cannot here speak. 

The fine mountain scenery, the beautifully 
cultivated hills and mountain sides, the rich 
verdure everywhere seen, lend a charm, the 
like of which is seldom seen. Standing upon 
these pine-clad snow-capped mountain tops, 
from which we overlook the great valleys 
below, where plantations of sugar cane, rice, 
coffee, groves of oranges, lemons, limes, 
bananas, mangoes and mameyes, we behold 
a tropical clime in a temperate zone. 

Traveling southward from Cuernavaca 
we find Tenixco, Slpuyeca, Puente de Ixtla, 
992 meters above the sea level, and following 
the same direction towards the Amacusac 



Guide to Mexico 145 

river and its tributaries, we have presented 
evidences that the southern region is the 
lowest in the state. 

This region extends from Cuernavaca to 
Santa Maria in the north, and to Amacusac 
in the south. 

As we pass to Cuatla Morelos, the climate 
grows warmer, and the plains of Amilpas 
open out before us. 

The northern zone is temperate, due to the 
fact that it is the highest point of the 
Adjusco system, and reaches out to the south- 
west slopes of the Popocatapetle. 

The southern part of the state is the warm 
region, and is included between the lines of 
the states of Puebla and Guerrero, and is 
rightly called **The hot zone of Cuautla," 
where we have the rich mining district bear- 
ing that name. 

The entire state is very broken, and great 
ranges of mountains cross in all directions. 
The valleys are densely populated, and luxu- 
rious vegetation of all kinds of fruits of the 
temperate and tropical zones are grown in 
great abundance. 

This state is destined to become one of the 
most productive states in the Republic. 



NUEVA LEON 

This state contains 25,000 square miles of 
territory, with a population of 311,000 in- 
habitants, or 12.4 persons to the square mile. 

It is bounded on the north by Coahuila, 
on the east by Tamaulipas, on the southwest 
by San Luis Potosi, and on the west by 
Coahuila. 

The southern portion of the state is quite 
level, with a temperate climate of 66 degrees 
Fahr. 

In the southeastern portion of the state we 
find a range of mountains, which is a branch 
of the Sierra Tamaulipas passing through 
the entire state from southeast to northwest. 

This range is quite broken, and there are 
many wonderful tablelands and fertile val- 
leys, in the midst of which we find the in- 
habitants gathered together in the Pueblas 
and towns, such as Milpillas, Soledad, Itru- 
bide, Galeana, Rio Blanco, and many other 
progressive villages. 

The climate of this region is excellent, it 
being a cold climate. 

In the northeast part of the state the 
topography of the country is such as to give 
us a large tract of level land, and the climat- 



Guide to Mexico 147 

ical conditions are in a modified form, so that 
the towns of Linares, Monte Morelos, Salinas, 
Cerralvo, and all in that region of country 
have a warm climate, where sugar cane, 
coffee, cotton, and semi-tropical fruits are 
largely cultivated. 

The western portion of the state is not 
mountainous, and has a most delightful 
climate, and marks of progress are apparent 
everywhere. 

The possibilities of this state are very 
great, and if a sufficient amount of water can 
be developed (and the possibiHties are there) 
this will become one of the garden spots of 
the Republic. 

The soil is a rich fertile loam, generally 
speaking, and all the conditions are most 
promising, and we believe that the day is not 
far distant when this will prove to be one of 
the great cotton bearing districts of the coun- 
try. 

Monterey, the capitol, is the metropolis 
of Northern Mexico, and has about 100,000 
inhabitants, and is a commercial manufac- 
turing city, being a mining and railroad 
center. 

It is beautifully located in an extensive 
valley, between the Mitre and Saddle moun- 
tains. 



148 Guide to Mexico 

The average temperature is about 59 de- 
grees Fahr. 

It is considered as being the most impor- 
tant manufacturing city in the Republic. 
The great iron and steel works are located 
there. 

The capitol has about 75,000 inhabitants, 
and in the banking houses they report about 
20,000,000 pesos, in addition there are large 
flouring and sugar mills. 

In and about the city are many places of 
great interest for the tourists. 



OAXACA 

This state is bounded on the north by the 
state of Puebla and Veracruz, on the east 
by Chiapas, on the west by Guerrero, and on 
the south by the Pacific ocean. 

It has 28,400 square miles of territory, 
with a population of 884,909, or a little more 
than 31.5 persons to the square mile. 

The state is crossed by a very high range 
of the Sierra Madre mountains, which ex- 
tend from southeast to northwest through 
the Republic of Mexico, and reach very high 
elevations near the center of this state. The 
mountains decline towards the north, thus 
giving a current which explains why the tem- 
perature is much cooler than the states which 
surround it. 

The high mountain of Zempoaltepec, which 
is 3391 meters above sea level, determines the 
orographic system of the Pacific regions. 

Reaching out from this mountain we have 
three separate divisions: One extending to 
the central portion of the state, reaching an 
altitude of 2890 meters above sea level, while 
between these extended arms we have wide 
valleys, with large extensions of rich farm- 
ing lands, sheltered and protected from winds 



150 Guide to Mexico 

and frosts, making veritable paradises for 
farmers and fruit raisers. 

In one of these valleys we have the capitol 
city of Oaxaca, which is 228 miles from 
Puebla, and sixteen hours by rail from Mex- 
ico City, and lies 5000 feet above the level of 
the sea. 

This city has a population of about 40,000, 
having a temperature of 69 degrees Fahr. 
This district, for favorable climatical condi- 
tions, is one of the most delightful found in 
the Republic. 

The second division in the northwest in- 
cludes Nochistlan, Coixtlahuaca and Hua- 
huapan, and all that region of country. 

Here we also find a number of beautiful 
valleys, where the products of the country 
are grown in great abundance, and with 
much profit] 

At this point we will depart from our 
usual custom and give a clipping from the 
Technical World Magazine concerning the 
great tree at Tula. 



''OLDEST LIVING THING'' 

''(Technical World Magazine^ 

''On the firing line of the Zapata uprising 
in Southern Mexico, in peril from cannon 
fire and musketry, stood — and still stands — 
the oldest living thing in the world — ^the fa- 
mous cypress in the churchyard of the vil- 
lage of Santa Maria del Tule. This tree is 
situated in the intendancy of Oaxaca, two and 
one-half leagues east of that city. 

The disturbances attending the insurrec- 
tion against Madero postponed temporarily 
the attainment of the supreme ambition held 
by Dr. Herman von Schrenk of St. Louis, 
which is to determine scientifically the ap- 
proximate age of this patriarch of the vege- 
table kingdom. Experts, judging by the 
gigantic bole of the Santa Maria del Tule 
cypress and by the slow growth of this spe- 
cies, have estimated the age of the monster 
to be between 5000 and 6000 years. 

These figures are staggering to the imagi- 
nation. Taking the lowest computation, 
when the seed from which the tree sprang 
fell upon the earth. King Menes was reign- 
ing in Egypt — 3000 B. C. When Cheops 
drove his subjects with the lash to the labor 



152 Guide to Mexico 

of building the great pyramid, it was a slen- 
der stripling of 200 years. And it had 
reached a lusty growth of 1500 years when 
the Hebrews made their exodus from the land 
of the Nile. The discovery of America and 
the conquest of Mexico by Cortez would seem, 
in its life, things of only a few months ago. 

The last scientific measurement of the 
Santa Maria del Tule cypress was made by 
Dr. von Schrenk in 1903, a century after 
Humboldt discovered it, while on his famous 
tour of equatorial America Dr. von Schrenk 
found that its trunk, four feet from the 
ground, had the astounding girth of 126 
feet. 

Dr. von Schrenk, now an arboricultural ex- 
pert with a laboratory at the Missouri bo- 
tanical garden in St. Louis, was, in 1903, 
connected with the United States forest serv- 
ice. While traveling through Southern Mex- 
ico he determined to inspect the Santa Maria 
del Tule cypress. In vain Dr. von Schrenk 
urged that the experiment had been made 
hundreds of times without damage to trees 
and that by counting the rings shown on the 
plug he could learn the tree's average growth 
and thus solve one of the great scientfic 
problems of the world." 

This is known as the region of Mixteca 
Alta. 



Guide to Mexico 153 

The third division, beginning with Coixtla- 
huaca, slopes towards the state of Puebla, 
and determines the hydrographic and barom- 
etrical conditions there. Many of the points 
are very high and broken, and between which 
we find many streams of water, which give 
life and beauty to the valleys. The spurs 
decline gradually, and end in low rolling 
hills, which taper off towards the Pacific with 
altitudes varying from 1500 to 1422 meters 
above sea level. 

This district has a mild, even climate, and 
possesses much rich farming land, well wa- 
tered by mountain streams. 

The northeastern portion of the state, in 
the region of Choapan, Teotitlan, we have a 
torrid condition, and on account of its oro- 
graphic system, is very hot, but we have here 
fine haciendas, and pasture lands, the like of 
which are seldom seen. This entire region 
of country slopes gradually towards the 
Pacific. 

We have here three distinct climates: 
Cold in the orographic system, in which are 
found Mixteca Alta, and its valleys and 
plains at an altitude of 2600 meters. Tem- 
perate in all the valleys at an altitude of be- 
tween 2259 and 1599 meters above sea level. 

Torrid in all the sloping country towards 
the coast and plains of the Pacific. This is 



154 Guide to Mexico 

a great mineralized state, and is, perhaps, 
the richest gold-bearing section of the Re- 
public of Mexico. 

In the past the matter of transportation 
has been the most serious drawback, but this 
is being gradually overcome by the buildings 
of the railroad. 

The great mineral wealth of the state will 
doubtless call in the needed capital, and it 
will rank among the best. 



PUEBLA 

We now come to the study of one of the most 
interesting states in the Republic of Mexico. 
It contains 12,600 square miles of territory, 
and has a population of 985,000 inhabitants, 
or a little more than 78.1 persons per square 
mile. 

The state is quite broken in its orographic 
system, and has various altitudes, being high 
in the north, medium in the center. It has at 
least five distinct orographic valley systems, 
owing to the peculiar conformation of its 
mountains. 

On the west we have the Popocateptl, and 
Ixtaccihuatl, and on the northwest the Ma- 
linche, and here we have all the various 
climates of the world. 

The state is bounded on the northwest by 
the state of Hidalgo, on the north and east 
by the state of Veracruz, and on the west 
by the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico and Morelos, 
and on the south by the states of Oaxca and 
Guerrero. 

The beautiful city of Puebla is the capitol, 
and has a population of about 90,000, and is 
the third city in the Republic, and is at sin 
elevation of 2155 meters above sea level. 



156 Guide to Mexico 

The center of the state is on the Mesa 
Central, which has a temperate climate. The 
mountains here are practically covered with 
snow. 

As we travel northward among the moun- 
tains we find a cold climate, due to the alti- 
tude of the mountains. 

South of Puebla are the celebrated springs 
of Tehuacan, noted far and near for their 
medicinal properties, and as we pass south- 
ward we find two valleys, the one getting 
lower, the course of the Atoyac, into which 
flow many branches, forming Ihe Rio 
Poblano. These streams are bordered with 
fine farming land, rich in all of those ele- 
ments, which go to make up first class farm- 
ing and fruit lands. 

The hills and steep rolling plains furnish 
fine grazing land for live stock of all kinds. 
The Rio Publano, near the border of the 
state, is united to the Mixteco, which is the 
principal river of Oaxaca. 

The other valleys of the state follow the 
course of the Rio Tehuacan. 

The average altitude is from 920 to 985 
meters above the sea level, with a tempera- 
ture of 80 to 84 degrees Fahr. The entire 
Poblano basin becomes more and more de- 
pressed as you proceed, so that at altitude of 
1220 meters, the temperature is the same as 



Guide to Mexico 157 

that of an altitude of 878 meters above sea 
level, as we find at San Juan del Rio. 

Thus we see that these two zones belong to 
the torrid lands, and are divided into hot and 
warm climates, where all kinds of tropical 
fruits abound. In the state of Puebla may 
be found all kinds of conditions of climate, 
torrid and warm, temperate, cold and per- 
petual snows. 

We know of no other region so changeable 
as this on the American continent. 

The state is rich in mines, and farming and 
fruit lands, and is one of the most promis- 
ing of the states of the Republic. 

The state is rich in onyx, marble, fine 
building stone, and is highly mineralized. 

As an agricultural state it is very promis- 
ing. 

The climatical conditions, notwithstanding 
the many changes of temperature, are good, 
rendered thus by the distinct and even condi- 
tions prevailing. 



QUERETARO 

This is one of the smallest states of the 
Republic, and has only 3800 square miles of 
territory, with a population of 228,551 in- 
habitants, or 60.2 persons per square mile. 

The capitol of the state is Queretaro, with 
a population of 40,000. 

The state is located in what is known as 
Mesa Central of the Anuhac, and is very 
much broken by a range of mountains, ex- 
tending from north to south. 

It is bounded on the north by San Luis 
Potosi, on the east by Hidalgo, on the west 
and south by Guanajuato, and on the south- 
east by the state of Mexico. 

The whole state partakes largely of the 
orographic systems of the surrounding 
states. The center of the state is very 
broken, indeed. 

The most southerly districts have a mild 
climate, which averages 59 to 60 degrees 
Fahr. and the extreme heat ranges from 71 
to 73 degrees. 

The orographic system ranges from 1850 
to 1970 meters above the sea level. 

Between the ranges of mountains we find 
many beautiful and fertile valleys, rich in 



Guide to Mexico 159 

all those elements which contribute to pro- 
ductiveness and profit. 

In the region of San Juan del Rio, which 
is at an altitude of 1970 meters we find a 
large open country, capable of wonderful 
cultivation. 

Queretero is situated in a beautiful valley, 
which is most liberally watered, and in which 
are found many grand haciendas, and large 
stock ranches. 

As we pass northward we find the districts 
of Tollman and Cadereyta, which are crossed 
by high and sinuous ranges. There we find 
great haciendas at an altitude of 2307 meters 
above sea level, while a few are as high as 
2871 meters,, and these highland farms are 
among the best in the Republic. The temper- 
ature ranges from 53 degrees to 57 degrees 
Fahr. 

The orographic system gives to us a very 
cold, yet pleasant temperature. As we pass 
northward the country dips down rapidly, 
and springing from the mountains we have 
the rivers of Tollman, Santa Maria, Jalpan, 
which joins the Moctuma river, which, in the 
state of Tamaulipas, forms the Panuco ; this 
river constitutes the boundary line between 
this state and Hidalgo, on the east. 

The orographic system slopes gradually, 
and forms the northwest valley, in which 



160 Guide to Mexico 

are located many fine farms. The mountains 
range in height from 1420 meters down to 
980 meters above sea level, with an average 
temperature of 67 degrees Fahr. 

In the city of Queretaro there are several 
large cotton and flour mills, which employ 
over two thousand hands, and just south of 
the city are found the great gardens, from 
which there are marketed every year not less 
than 100,000 pesos of products. 

We find that the state possesses three 
zones, and three different climates. It is rich 
in minerals, marble, fine building stone, and 
the most extensive Opal quarries known to 
exist on the American continent. The state 
is also very rich in fine woods. 

Capital is very much needed to develop 
and organize the possible industries, and 
when this is done it will become wonderfully 
productive. 



SAN LUIS POTOSI 

This state has an extension of 260,100 
square miles, with a population of 568,449, 
or 21.8 persons to the square mile. 

The state is bounded on the north by 
Coahuila, Nueve Leon, Tamaulipas, and 
Zacatecas, on the east by Veracruz and 
Hidalgo, on the south by Queretaro Guana- 
juato and Zacatecas, on the west by Za- 
catecas. 

The boundary lines of this state are very 
irregular. 

The general topography of the state is 
lower than the surrounding states, and slopes 
eastward toward Tamaulipas, and again on 
the northeast it slopes towards Nuevo Leon. 
The orology of the state presents a condition 
differing from the states surrounding it. In 
many respects it is unlike any of them. 

The altitude is about 1877 meters above the 
sea, and the topography gives a gradual up- 
lift towards Salinas, and then slopes gently 
downward. The entire state is crossed by 
highly mineralized mountains, at the tops 
of which it is quite cold. 

The city of San Luis Potosi is the capitol 
of the state, with a population of about 



162 Guide to Mexico 

65,000, and lies 1878 meters above sea level. 

The principal cities of the state range in 
altitude from 1735 meters to 1877 meters. 
The average temperature is from 61 to 62 
degrees. 

The latitude is 24 degrees 37 seconds, 
which brings it near the tropic of Cancer. 
We are thus led to discover that the state 
has two distinct climates, a temperate and 
frigid zone. 

The wide extended valleys of the state are 
very productive, and rich farming land very 
abundant, while the mountains furnish vast 
forests of hard woods and commercial 
lumber. 

The stock ranges make it very desirable for 
stock men, while the miner finds it to be a 
field rich in metals, and most desirable as a 
mining country. 

There are vast stretches of land, rich and 
productive, that are entirely virgin to the 
agriculturist, and are waiting the introduc- 
tion of modern machinery, and modern 
methods. 

The inhabitants of this state are gener- 
ally industrious, quiet and peaceful, and ex- 
tend open arms to those who are willing to 
enter in and open up industries. 

The capitol is a very attractive city, and 
has some very beautiful buildings, among 



Guide to Mexico 163 

which may be named the theater, which is 
said to be the second best in the Republic. 

Three miles west of the city, high upon 
a hill, is one of the largest smelters in the 
Republic. 

The southeastern portion of the state is 
abundantly watered, but the state, as a whole, 
is not well watered. 

The state, upon a whole, is very productive, 
yielding annually about $29,630,000, of this 
amount more than $18,000,000 must be ac- 
credited to the mining industry. 



QUINTANA ROD TERRITORY 

This territory is bounded on the north by 
the Gulf of Mexico and Yucatan, on the east 
by the Gulf of Mexico, on the south by Brit- 
ish Honduras and Central America, and on 
west by Campeche and Yucatan. 

The territory is in the extreme southeast- 
ern portion of the Republic of Mexico, and is 
the last of the territories to be organized. 
The organization is not unlike that of Tepic, 
and has about 27,640 square miles of terri- 
tory. 

The capitol is Santa Cruz de Bravo, which 
is located in the northeastern part of the ter- 
ritory, on the Bay Ascension, and is noted 
for its fisheries. 

The general topography is quite like that 
of its neighbor, Yucatan. The northern half 
consists largely of extensive plains, heavily 
wooded and somewhat broken. 

The chain of mountains and low hills, 
passing out of Yucatan, reach out over the 
northern portion of the territory. 

These vast plains or steeps, like those of 
Yucatan, are dry and arrid, except for the 
fogs rising from the gulf littoral. 

The temperature averages about 82 de- 



Guide to Mexico 165 

grees, and a torrid condition prevails. The 
southern half of the territory contains great 
plains, table lands, in which are many small 
lakes, inlets and bays, giving the entire 
coast line a very broken appearance. 

The Bay of Chetumal will, no doubt, in 
time prove to be a fine land-locked harbor, 
for shipping purposes. 

The whole territory is quite virgin, and 
greatly needs the uplift which comes from an 
advancing civilization. 



SINALOA 

This state is bounded on the north by 
Sonora, on the south by Tepic, on the east by 
Chihuahua and Durango, and on the west by 
the Pacific ocean. 

It has 36,100 square miles of territory, 
with a population of 258,865, or less than 
eight persons to the square mile, thus show- 
ing that there is a vast extent of country 
practically unoccupied in the state. The 
state is about 350 miles in length, with an 
average width of 80 miles. 

On account of its geographical position, 
as well as its surroundings, the high ranges 
of mountains on three sides, and the Pacific 
ocean and Gulf waters upon the other, it has 
been isolated, and only until recent years its 
richness in minerals and fertility of soil 
have been practically unknown, except to the 
native Indians. 

We here have two well defined zones : The 
first is in the east, and consists of a high and 
broken range of mountains, rich in mineral 
lodes, and largely as yet unexploited. 

The topography of this range gradually 
slopes towards the Gulf and Pacific, and the 
Sierras crossing the state of Durango and 



Guide to Mexico 167 

Chihuahua, known as the Sierra Urique, 
Guadalupe Calvo, Temasula and San Dimas, 
are divided into several systems, and extend 
by declivities over the states of Sinaloa, and 
extend out great arms towards the Pacific 
ocean. 

The general hydrographic system of these 
mountain chains is very interesting. The 
altitude decreases from Durango from 1925 
meters down to 75 meters above sea level. 

Drawing a line between Durango and Ma- 
zatlan, passing through Chavarria, there is 
a progressive and regular descent. 

So well determined is the altitude of the 
mountains in relation to the declivity, that 
no other explanation is required to find the 
difference between the low land and the 
mountain region. 

That we may reach the object of our study, 
we will need to examine the hydrographic 
basins of the rivers which pass across the 
territory. 

Returning again to the northern part of 
the state we find the beautiful little town of 
Fuerte, situated on the river of the same 
name, and near the Urique system. The 
town is 250 meters above the sea, and is on 
the banks of the Fuerte river, which extends 



168 Guide to Mexico 

northeast and southwest, following the slopes 
towards the coast. 

On either side of this river are large fertile 
tracts of land, the climate of which is deter- 
mined by the altitude. 

Next we have the Sinaloa river, which is 
composed of a number of small streams, aris- 
ing in the mountains of Guadalupe and Calvo, 
in the state of Chihuahua, this stream also 
passes near the city of the same name at an 
altitude of 596 meters. The river flows 
northeast and southwest, and finally empties 
into the Pacific. 

Next we have the rivers of San Lorenzo, 
Elota, Pizatla, Presidio, Chametla, all of 
which wind their way to the Pacific. Thus 
we learn that, as a whole, the state is well 
watered. 

The state in time will no doubt prove to be 
one of the best in the Republic of Mexico. 
Its rich soil, seacoast line, with its railroads, 
and many attractive features, will cause it to 
forge to the front. 

The vast extent of fine agricultural land, 
the network of living streams of sparkling 
water, the vast mineral deposits, will cause 
capitalists to invest and exploit to the world 
its storehouses of wealth. 

We have here two distinct climatical con- 



Guide to Mexico 169 

ditions. Cold in the mountains, and hot in 
the valleys. During the rainy seasons they 
have their hottest weather. The rains are 
always warm, hence have no cold frosts and 
destructive winds. During the rainy season 
the temperature is from 70 to 90 degrees. 

Taking into consideration the proximity 
of this state to the waters of the great ocean, 
and remembering that the possibilities for 
several good ports of landing, as well as the 
fact that a great railroad system, the South- 
ern Pacific, now extends through the entire 
length of the state, that it is crossed by the 
Orient, from east to west, in connection with 
the fertility of the soil, leads us to believe 
that this is destined to be one of the richest 
states in the Republic. 

The Capitol of the state is Culiacan, a 
beautiful city of 20,000 inhabitants, located 
on the south bank of the Culiacan river, and 
is noted for its cleanliness, its beautiful 
homes, and was at one time called the Sara- 
toga of the West Coast, on account of its 
many beautiful women. The Occidental rail- 
road, owned by Mr. George R. Douglas, con- 
nects it with the Gulf of California at the 
Port of Altata. 

Mazatlan, with its excellent harbor, upon 
which the Government of Mexico has recent- 



170 Guide to Mexico 

ly voted the expenditure of twelve million 
dollars for the improvement of its harbor, is 
also noted for its factories and wealth, its 
Paseo de Olas Altas, its lighthouse, said to 
be the second in height in the world, is a place 
of great interest. 



SONORA 

This is one of the most northermost states 
of Mexico, and is bounded on the north by 
the United States, on the east by Chihuahua, 
on the south by Sinaloa, and on the west by 
the Gulf of Cahfornia. 

In extent, it is the next largest in the Re- 
public, having 77,000 square miles of terri- 
tory, with a population of 191,281, or 2.4 in- 
habitants per square mile. 

The eastern portion of the state is very 
mountainous, and broken with many ravines 
or canons, with high and almost perpendicu- 
lar sides, all sloping down towards the coast 
of the Gulf. The highest being in close prox- 
imity to the Tarahuara, in the state of Chi- 
huahua. 

The Tarahuara, in the state of Chihuahua, 
with the Arizona, Primera, Guadalupe, and 
many smaller mountains have their center in 
the Sierra of Chihuahua, and have an eleva- 
tion, averaging 2985 meters above the sea 
level. This portion of the hydrographic sys- 
tem has been but little visited, and conse- 
quently little understood. 

There are many evidences that this por- 
tion of country was at one time thickly set- 



172 Guide to Mexico 

tied, and the many old Aztec ruins, and mines 
indicate that vast quantities of ore have been 
taken out, and that the population was at one 
time very large. 

The whole country indicates a heavily min- 
eralized condition, but for three centuries or 
more the land and mines have been prac- 
tically idle. 

The orographic system extending from 
north to south presents a cold climate, quite 
severe in the winter. As we pass in our ex- 
aminations we discover a great ampitheater 
formed by the mountains of the central part 
of the state. 

The mountains are cut by deep canyons 
and ravines, extending in different directions, 
and through them pass the rivers Altar, So- 
nora, San Jose, Yaqui, Mayo, Alamos and 
other small streams. 

These streams generally have their origin 
in the lower slopes, and irrigate the valleys 
Magdalene, Ures, Arispe, Vayareoe and 
Alamos, and wherever they pass through the 
table lands most luxuriant vegetation is 
found, and the lands are wonderfully pro- 
ductive. 

All the climatical conditions are most 
favorable, and where an abundance of water 
can be had it is a paradise for farmers and 
horticulturists. 



Guide to Mexico 173 

The average temperature being from 66 
to 68 degrees Fahr., with an average altitude 
of 1789 meters above sea level. 

Passing on dov^n to the lov^er regions of 
the state towards the Gulf we find the low 
lands, where disappear the Altar and Sonora 
rivers, and where we also find the mouth of 
the Alamoa, Mayo, Yaqui and San Jose 
emptying themselves into the Gulf near 
Guaymas. 

Here we find the temperature at from 67 
degrees to 80 degrees, with a barometrical 
condition sufficiently warm to accommodate 
the desires of the cold blooded. 

The soil of this entire region of country 
is very fertile, and its proximity to the 
United States, makes a most desirable por- 
tion of country for the American farmer and 
stock raiser. 

Taking the state as a whole, we have 
three different climates. Cold in the moun- 
tainous regions. Temperate in the lower 
ranges. Torrid in the plains, that extend to 
the Gulf. 

When the water question is settled, as it 
will be in the near future, this portion of the 
country, like all that lying along the West 
Coast, will prove to be one of the greatest 
agricultural fields on the American continent. 

The beautiful city of Hermosillo is the 



174 Guide to Mexico 

capitol of the state. It has a population of 
20,000, and is surrounded by a large number 
of fine farms, and is regarded as the gate- 
way of the upper Sonora Valley, as well as 
the Delta country, in which are located many 
fine haciendas, and which country during the 
past few years has made a wonderful change. 
American energy and capital has greatly 
transformed this part of the state. The state 
of Sonora is also noted for its great mining 
industries, for many millions of American 
gold have been invested in this industry 
alone. 

Cananea, with a population of 20,000, 
forms the center of what is the greatest cop- 
per section in the Republic. 

At Guaymas, a city of 15,000, we have the 
beautiful land-locked harbor on the Gulf of 
California. This place is noted for its indus- 
trial factories, as well as being the location 
of the Traffic Department of the Southern 
Pacific lines of Mexico. 



TABASCO 

This state is bordered on the north by the 
Gulf of Mexico, on the south by Chiapas, on 
the east by Campeche and Guatamala, and on 
the west by Veracruz. 

It has 10,000 square miles of territory, 
with a population of 134.839, or 13.4 in- 
habitants per square mile. 

San Juan Bautista is the capital, with a 
population of 12,000 inhabitants. 

This state is largely level and low, and its 
climatical conditions are much like those of 
the near by Gulf. Its orographic system de- 
pends upon the Gulf. San Cristobal de 
Chiapas extends its arm out into the state of 
Campeche and Tabasco, and on South into 
Guatemala. The entire coast shore or lit- 
toral is composed of lakes, lagunas, and low 
lands, and form the basin Jarilva River, on 
the West and Umacinta on the East. These 
rivers have their origin in Guatemala, and 
pass through the states of Tabasco, which has 
an altitude of only eighty meters above the 
sea. 

The waters descend slowly and wind their 
course insinuously until they reach the Gulf. 
The streams have many tributaries, the prin- 



176 Guide to Mexico 

cipal being Iztacomestan, which has its 
origin in the Mascuscpana, at an altitude of 
350 meters. While this great network of 
streams and lakes modify to a measure the 
climatical condition the climate is very hot 
and damp, and palludian diseases militate 
very much against the well being of its in- 
habitants. 

The soil is exceedingly rich and vegetation 
very rank, so that insect life is quite trouble- 
some in places. The natives, however, do not 
seem to mind this condition, and are gener- 
ally prosperous. 

The fertility of the soil is wonderful, and 
two, and even three crops are grown per 
year. 

There are a number of American compa- 
nies organized there for the raising of cane, 
tropical fruits and vegetable. 

San Juan Bautista is the capital, and prin- 
cipal market place of that entire country. It 
has about 12,000 inhabitants. 

The soil is principally of a humas, or 
fibrous nature, and very deep. The rains fall 
from September to February, and the tem- 
perature during the summer months varies 
from 80 to 82 degrees, while in the winter 
months it is from 60 to 64 degrees. 

Scattered over the state we find large quan- 
tities of fine woods. 



Guide to Mexico 177 

The introduction of capital and modern 
methods will doubtless develop this state in 
the near future into one of the very best 
farming and stock countries on iiie East 
Coast. 



TAMAULIPAS 

This is one of the largest states in territo- 
rial extent, covering 29,000 square miles, 
with a population of 206,502, or a fraction 
more than 7 persons per square mile. 

It has for its capitol Victoria, which has a 
population of about 12,000. 

It is bounded on the north by the Rio 
Grande, which separates it from the United 
States, on the south by Veracruz and San 
Luis Potosi, on the east by the Gulf of Mex- 
ico, and on the west by the states of Nueva 
Leon, San Luis Potosi and Coahuila. 

The general topography of the state pre- 
sents a gradual slope towards the east, and 
while this may not so appear, yet upon close 
examination the hydrographic basins, which 
have their origin in the mountain re- 
gions of the West, clearly demonstrate this 
statement. 

Passing from the Littoral the level tract 
of the country presents but few low hills, 
and gradually slopes towards the Gulf. 

On the Rio Grande we have the towns of 
Bagdad, at the mouth of the river at an alti- 
tude of four meters, and Matamoras at 25 
meters, Reinorsa at 150 meters, Carmargo 



Guide to Mexico 179 

at 300 meters, with an average temperature 
of 80 to 84 degrees Fahr. The lands of this 
region are very productive. 

Passing on to the Conchos river, we have 
another basin, which has its origin in Nueva 
Leon, and passes on down to Laguna Madre, 
then as we pass Southward the Basin Rio 
Soto la Marina, which descends towards the 
Gulf. 

This river is formed by the branches of the 
Sierra Madre, and is known by the name of 
Sierra de Taumalipas, upon a spur of which 
is located the beautiful city of Victoria, the 
capitol of the state. 

The above mentioned region in its hydro- 
graphic arrangement presents a number of 
elevations as Martinez, San Carlos, Pano- 
ramas, etc., with an annual average temper- 
ature of 86 to 84 degrees Fahr., and yet the 
altitudes are very changeable, ranging from 
5 meters to 1000 meters above sea level. It 
is because of the flora and fauna of the state, 
which are tropical, we must classify this as 
belonging to the torrid zone. 

Passing from the Conchos river Southward 
we find an inclined region as far down as the 
Panuco, which passes south of Tampico. 
This city is fifty meters above sea level, and 
has a torrid climate. 

The whole zone from north to south, from 



180 Guide to Mexico 

the territory of the Rio Grande to the Panuco, 
is intensely hot, with vegetation extremely 
rank and tropical. 

This entire region is proving very valuable, 
on account of the great deposits of oil, which 
are just now being exploited to the world. 

The mountains present a system ranging 
in height from 1980 to 2000 meters high, and 
are heavily mineralized in silver, gold, lead, 
copper, bismuth and iron. We have also 
lying between the spurs of these mountains 
the beautiful valleys as Santa Barbara, Tula 
de Taumalipas, Gamuvaue, Palmillas, and 
others, where we find a more modern tem- 
perature, ranging from 64 to 66 degrees 
Fahr. 

This state is rich in pasture lands, as well 
as in agricultural possibilities, and when the 
solution of the water question is settled it 
will prove to be a great farming country. 

We find here two different climates, tem- 
perate and torrid. 

This portion of the country has been great- 
ly afflicted on the plains with palludian dis- 
eases, but the mastery over all endemic dis- 
eases has become so complete that year by 
year the number of victims is growing less, 
and the prospects are good for blotting the 
disease out entirely. 



TEPIC TERRITORY 

The territory of Tepic has a population of 
150,157, and has 538 square miles of terri- 
tory, or 283.3 persons per square mile. 

This territory is bounded on the north by 
Sinaloa and Durango, on the east by Jalisco, 
on the south by Jalisco, and on the west by 
the Pacific ocean and Sinaloa. 

The general orographic condition of this 
territory is quite broken, and the general dip 
is from north to southwest. 

The mountainous districts are very sinu- 
ous, broken with strong spurs of the Sierra 
Madre range extending out in all directions. 

This entire territory is highly mineralized, 
and has waited until the present for trans- 
portation facilities that it might deliver up 
to the commercial world the great riches 
found there, for it is rich in minerals, also 
in timber and in fertile soil. 

The Sierra Madre range of mountains is 
highest on the eastern slope which separates 
the northern part of the state of Jalisco, with 
the general slant of the mountains south and 
westward. 

Coming out of the north country we have 
a series of barrancas, extending in different 



182 Guide to Mexico 

directions such as are seldom met with, and 
perhaps their equal cannot be found on the 
entire American continent. 

The rivers San Pedro, Santiago, Grand, 
Acaponeta, in connection with many smaller 
streams, give to us one of the best watered 
sections of country in the Republic of Mex- 
ico. The general topography of the terri- 
tory is such as to make it one of the best 
stock countries in Mexico. 

It has more hogs than any state in the Re- 
public, thus showing that it is a great corn 
country. The stock of the territory general- 
ly speaking, is of a much better class than is 
usually found in Mexico. 

The general climatical conditions of the 
country are exceptionally fine. The many 
deep basins cut perpendicularly in the moun- 
tains of the orographic region receive the 
current from the north and south, as well 
as from the west which gives to us a forma- 
tion that contributes largely to the mild and 
even climate of this region of country. 

The highest ranges of the Sierra Madre 
have an average altitude of 1229 meters 
above the sea level, where we have a cold 
region, while on the western slope we have a 
mild temperate climate. 

The temperature of this entire territory on 
account of the orographic systems being 



Guide to Mexico 183 

quite similar, is much like that of the State 
of Jalisco. 

Tepic is the capitol, and has a population 
of 21,000, and for situation is not surpassed 
anywhere on the west coast, and on account 
of its geographical position, surrounded as 
it is with great bodies of farming land, as 
well as a richly mineralized country, it is des- 
tined to become one of the leading cities of 
the west coast of Mexico. 

The Southern Pacific passes through the 
entire length of the territory, and thus gives 
abundant transportation facilities for the 
many mines, timber tracts, and great 
haciendas. 

We do not believe that there can be found 
more fertile sub-irrigated soil on the Ameri- 
can continent than is found here. 

Its tobacco, corn and cotton are world- 
famed. 

There is an abundance of rainfall to pro- 
duce without irrigation two excellent crops 
per year, and with irrigation three may be 
had. 



TLAXCALA 

This small state has 1500 square miles of 
territory, with a population of 162,780, and 
is situated in the highest part of the Cen- 
tral Tablelands of the Anahuac. 

It is thickly inhabited for it has 108.5 per- 
sons per square mile. 

It is bounded on the north and south by the 
state of Hidalgo and Puebla, and on the west 
by the state of Mexico. 

That we may gain a fair idea of the topog- 
raphy of the state we will here give the alti- 
tudes, which we find to be as follows : on the 
border of the state of Hidalgo we have 2496 
meters, and passing on southeast until we 
reach Santa Ana, we have an average alti- 
tude of 2421 meters above sea level. 

The southwestern portion of the state has 
much higher altitudes lying near the great 
volcanoes. 

The state as a whole is a broken uneven 
region of country. 

The mountain of Malinche, southeast of the 
southern border line with the state of Puebla 
reaches an altitude of 3086 meters above sea 
level. 

The Mexican line of railway passing from 



Guide to Mexico 185 

Mexico City to Veracruz runs through the 
entire length of the state. 

The term "Tlaxcala" signifies "Land of 
bread/' and just why this name was given to 
this particular state we know not, for strictly 
speaking there is in the entire state but little 
agricultural land, except you call the hill- 
sides and rough mesas farming land. There 
is a great abundance of the Meguey plant 
raised from which they extract the pulque so 
universally used in Mexico. 

Owing to the altitudes we find three dif- 
ferent climates in the state, viz., in the plain 
of Pie Grande, we have a temperate climate, 
in all other parts, the Malinche and Tlaxco 
mountains we have perpetual snow, and 
along the borders of the state of Puebla, we 
find a most delightful climate such as is 
seldom found in any country. 

The land is generally covered with feld- 
spar, and rock of lava formation, however, 
in the plain of Pie Grande, and southeast of 
that point we find some agricultural land, 
much of which is given over to the cultivation 
of the maguey plant. 

The average annual temperature is from 
59 to 62 degrees Fahr. 

Tlaxcala, the capitol of the state, is rich 
in history, it having been the headquarters of 
Cortez and his band of adventures for a con- 



186 Guide to Mexico 

siderable length of time, and here stands the 
church of San Francisco, perhaps the oldest 
church on the American continent. 

The historian finds much here to interest 
him. 




COFFEE TREE 



VERACRUZ 

This state lying along the shores of the 
Gulf of Mexico has a population of 866,355, 
and has 23,840 square miles, or 36.3 persons 
per square mile. 

The beautiful city of Jalapa is its capitol 
with a population of 24,000. 

The state is bounded on the north by 
Taumalipas, on the south by Oaxaca and 
Chiapas, and on the east by Tabasco and the 
Gulf of Mexico, on the west by San Luis 
Potosi, Hidalgo and Puebla. 

The hydrographic system of the entire 
western border is very broken and the gen- 
eral dip is towards Veracruz. 

In the region of country about Orizaba, 
the mountains are very high and sinuous, the 
El Cobra de Perote, and El Pico de Orizaba, 
have elevation respectively of 4089 and 5295 
meters above sea level, and form the systems 
of the mountain ranges of this state. 

The study of the orographic system here is 
deeply interesting, for we find here the be- 
ginning of the great Central Tablelands of 
the Anahuac. 

These high peaks determine largely the 
climatical conditions of all this portion of the 



188 Guide to Mexico 

state, for they are always snow-capped. 
Reaching from these mountains are spurs 
which extend towards the Gulf with altitudes 
from 3000 to 1800 meters above sea level. 
The decline being quite gradual towards the 
gulf. 

Passing on towards Orizaba which is 1227 
meters above sea level, and then on to Jalapa, 
which is 1329 meters above sea level. Here 
we find a very hot climate with an average 
temperature of 72 degrees Fahr. Passing on 
down the state we find Veracruz, which is 
only 7 meters above sea level, with an annual 
average of 87 degrees Fahr. 

In all this region we find a torrid climate, 
with a depressed temperature. Here also is 
the Panuco river which is of considerable 
commercial importance, and with its tribu- 
taries Tamuin and Tamasin irrigate a very 
large portion of fertile land in which the 
sugar industry is extensively carried on. 

This country in time will no doubt prove 
to be a great cotton region. The tempera- 
ture will average about 82 degrees Fahr. 

Passing south of Tantoyuca we find an- 
other hydrographic basin called the Mesa de 
los Coroneles, which with its branches forms 
the hydrographic system of Tuxpan. Here 
we have a torrid zone. 

These basins contain within them much 



Guide to Mexico 189 

agricultural land, especially suited to the 
raising of cane, cotton, henequin, and tropical 
fruits. 

In the presentation of all these hydro- 
graphic basins we wish to show that the state 
generally slopes toward the gulf, which idea 
has not heretofore been generally accepted. 

In taking the altitudes we find that the 
descent is regular commencing at 1399 
meters above sea level, and passes on down 
to 4 meters. 

Thus we can understand that this change 
of altitudes will give to us a torrid climate. 

The many lagunas, such as Puebla the 
Viego, Tamiahua, Tampamachoco, Mandinga 
Camaronera and Tequipia indicate very 
plainly that through the months of March, 
April, May and June when the greatest re- 
pression of water is found paludism must 
prevail. 

The specific of the waters is such that they 
do not mix readily with the sea water, and 
the evaporation contributes towards the 
germination of the microbes which produce 
the black vomit. The changes in the coun- 
try of late years have contributed greatly in 
relieving this tendency. 

In our examination of this state we find 
perpetual snows upon the summit of two vol- 
canoes, with cold climates on the slopes of the 



190 Guide to Mexico 

mountains, on the ranges temperate climates, 
while in Orizaba and Jalapa we have the hot 
climate, and in the remaining parts of the 
state a torrid climate. 

All that portion of country bordering on 
the Panuco and its tributaries seem to be un- 
derlaid with vast deposits of oil which is now 
being rapidly exploited, and we believe that 
this region of country will in time prove to 
be one of the greatest oil fields in the world. 

Space forbids our dwelling longer on this 
important depot of riches in this state. 

The city of Veracruz has a population of 
30,000 inhabitants, and has one of the finest 
harbors on the gulf, the improvements of 
which recently cost more than $25,000,- 
000.00. The Interocianica branch of the Na- 
tional Railways unite Veracruz with Mexico 
City, and in doing so furnish to the traveller 
one of the grandest views of the great vol- 
canoes that can be had. This state with its 
many natural physical resources, its coffee, 
pineapples, cotton, corn, many sugar planta- 
tions, its large acreage of tobacco, vanilla, as 
well as all the tropical fruits growing so 
prolifically is destined to become one of the 
richest in the Republic. 



YUCATAN 

This peninsula state has within its terri- 
tory 28,400 square miles with a population 
of 298,850, or 10.5 persons per square mile. 

Merida with a population of about 45,000 
is its capitol. 

This state is bounded on the north by the 
Gulf of Mexico, on the east by the sea of 
Antilles, on the south by the Republic of 
Guatemala, and on the west by the state of 
Campeche. 

The topography of the state is quite dif- 
ferent from those heretofore studied. In the 
center of the state is a great tableland cov- 
ered with wood, and increases in height as 
it extends towards, the northern coast, where 
the hydrographic system is broken with hills 
and rolling plains of 200 meters above sea 
level, which we find covered with volcanic 
rock, which forms a backbone which de- 
clines towards Campeche and then dips away 
towards the coast. 

In the northern part we find large tracts 
of level land where are also found some small 
streams which proceed from the Sierras de 
Yucatan. Where water for domestic purposes 
and irrigation can be found the land is fertile, 



192 Guide to Mexico 

but on account of the absence of water, this 
portion of the country is very backward. 

The temperature averages about 82 de- 
grees, hence we have a very torrid condition, 
and much malaria exists in connection with 
black vomit, and other endemic diseases. 

This state during the past few years has 
produced large quantities of Henequin, or as 
it is known there ''Sisal" which thrives best 
on aried lands, when the climatical conditions 
are favorable. 

However, generally speaking, the sisal 
plant thrives well upon fertile lands. 

The nearness of these lands to the gulf, 
their level condition, the great scarcity of 
water for domestic purposes, combined with 
the miasmatical climate have made this state 
somewhat undesirable for habitation, for all 
save those who are natives of the country. 

The climatology of the gulf states is torrid 
for reasons that are peculiar to the depressed 
conditions of the gulf stream which circu- 
lates not far distant from the Littoral of that 
region. 

The hot sea current of the gulf stream 
contributes largely to the torrid temperature. 

It is not our purpose in this brief state- 
ment to enter fully into the causes which pro- 
duce the torrid condition of this state. Nor 
is it our purpose to enter into an analysis of 



Guide to Mexico 193 

the topographical conditions which modify 
and help to bring into existence those ele- 
ments and forces, which have heretofore 
militated against a rapid upbuilding of this 
peninsula country. 



ZACATECAS 

This state has a population of 516,672, and 
has 25,300 square miles or 20.4 inhabitants 
per square mile. 

It is bounded on the north by Coahuila, on 
the northwest by Durango and on the west 
and south by Jalisco and Aguascalientes. 

Almost the entire state is known as the 
Central Tablelands. 

The highest portion of the state is in the 
center in which is located the City of Zaca- 
tecas, the capitol, with a population of 35,- 
163. 

This city is located on one branch of the 
Sierra Madre range at an altitude of 22,496 
meters above the level of the sea, with a tem- 
perature of 59 to 62 degrees Fahr., the maxi- 
mum temperature from 73 to 77 degrees 
Fahr. 

The general topography of the country is 
quite broken and heavily mineralized. There 
are several places in the state where the tem- 
perature is elevated owing to the depressed 
condition of the land, this being most marked 
at the town of Sain el Alto. 

The altitude of the zone varies between 
2260 meters and 2590 meters above the sea. 



Guide to Mexico 195 

We have several elevations, as Vete Grande 
and La Bufa which attain an elevation of 
2800 and 2618 meters above the sea level. 

The northern portion of the state is more 
broken, and we find here the characteristics 
of cold climates, due to the altitude as well 
as temperature. 

We have in this immediate section of the 
country great stock ranges consisting of large 
bodies of land well adapted to the raising of 
all kinds of live stock. 

As we pass southward towards the state of 
Jalisco, we find the canyon of Juchipila, and 
here we find a temperature avering 66 de- 
grees, with an altitude of 1086 meters, and 
here it is that we find the basins of the rivers 
of Zacatecas, Calvillo and Aguascalientes, 
which are tributaries of Tololotlan. This sec- 
tion of the state is most remarkable for its 
fertility and on account of its topography 
presents all the conditions of the hot climates, 
and this fact with the absence of strong 
winds gives us a torrid zone. 

Thus we see that we have three zones, 
temperate, in the north cold, in the south 
torrid. 

Owing to the geographical location we 
would naturally suppose that there would be 
an absence of torrid conditions, but such is 
not the case. 



196 Guide to Mexico 

This state is largely mineralized, and vast 
sums of silver especially, have been taken in 
the earlier history of the country to enrich 
the treasury of the Spanish Kings. 

On account of the large grants in former 
years, the state has not advanced in line with 
many of its surrounding neighbors. 

Mining has been the principal industry 
carried on, and it is estimated that there 
have been taken out of its mines more than 
$700,000,000 pesos, and the present annual 
output is about $3,000,000 annually 



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